gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl 

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

1

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

1

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

2

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Synonyms

Adjective

• gradational
• incremental
• phased
• piecemeal
• step-by-step

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective

We noticed a gradual change in temperature.

The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With the blender/mixer running, add the oil in a gradual, steady stream until the mixture is smooth and thickened. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

Over the decades, that theme continued through gradual revisions including a 1959 renovation and more recent efforts. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025

But China’s control of rare earth exports was not a new policy, with gradual restrictions of international sales occurring over the past two years. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 13 June 2025

Children with this condition experience gradual muscle weakness, initially involving the hips and legs and later spreading to the shoulders and arms. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·​u·​al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun