progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce progression (audio)
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
progressional
prə-ˈgresh-nəl How to pronounce progression (audio)
-ˈgre-shə-nᵊl
adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The second baseman/outfielder will be shut down for the next 7-10 days and will then have to continue his spring progression, which sets a timeline for a return at 3-4 weeks. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025 When a woman in labor gets wheeled into The Pitt’s ER, Dr. Mel ducks her head under the blanket draped across the woman’s legs to check her progression. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 Arguably, these shows of respect mirror the country’s progression toward recognizing these disparate groups. Sarah Prager, JSTOR Daily, 12 Mar. 2025 Bello has not experienced any setbacks but is still behind in his progression and will need more time to catch up. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for progression

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of progression was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Progression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progression. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

progression

noun
pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce progression (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on progression

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