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

The discovery suggests that galaxy formation might not be as slow or gradual as previously thought, especially in environments rich in gas and merging galaxies. —Larissa G. Capella, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Past technology shifts—from desktops and mobile devices to cloud computing—allowed gradual implementation over stable timelines. —Melissa Daimler, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

But this kind of influence is gradual and, more importantly, organic—different from a person who’s almost trying to become you. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 28 Mar. 2025

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has detected gradual and consistent ground inflation, a sign of potential magma accumulation beneath the surface. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 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