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

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

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