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

Finishing top will ensure progression to the competition’s semi-finals, while a top-two finish guarantees a place League A for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers and a more straightforward qualification route. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 May 2025

Researchers at Stanford have also developed digital twins to understand the progression of cardiovascular diseases and the potential effectiveness of interventions. —Mika Newton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Research suggests that an imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to the development and progression of RA. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Defensive tackle Justin Ellis entered the league with Carr and has watched the progression as closely as anyone. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing progression

• arithmetic progression
• geometric progression
• harmonic progression

Rhymes for progression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

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