progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgre-shən 

1

: a sequence of numbers in which each term is related to its predecessor by a uniform law

2

a

: the action or process of progressing : advance

b

: a continuous and connected series : sequence

3

a

: succession of musical tones or chords

b

: the movement of musical parts in harmony

c

: sequence sense 2c

progressional

prə-ˈgresh-nəl 

-ˈgre-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• catena
• catenation
• chain
• concatenation
• consecution
• nexus
• sequence
• string
• train

Examples of progression in a Sentence

Doctors were surprised by the rapid progression of the disease.

the natural progression of his musical talent

Recent Examples on the Web

Medications for the Condition Some prescribed medications work to slow the progression of the disease. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

However, getting adequate doses of vitamin C has been shown to slow down the progression of clouding. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

Arrange dishes in a logical progression: Begin with plates at the entrance, followed by main dishes like casseroles, and end with baked goods, cheeses and beverages. —Rai Mincey, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine has come at a high cost to the Russian population, and the ISW reported that the manpower losses may not be sustainable in the long-term progression of the war. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing progression

• arithmetic progression
• geometric progression
• harmonic progression

Kids Definition

progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgresh-ən 

1

: the action of progressing or moving forward

2

: a continuous and connected series (as of acts, events, or steps)

3

: a changing from one chord to another by means of several notes or chords coming one after the other