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

If returning to full in-office work, consider gradual transitions rather than abrupt mandates. —Jason Wingard, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Hawking Radiation Hawking radiation is a theoretical phenomenon that suggests black holes emit thermal radiation, leading to their gradual evaporation over time. —Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

Tourism management Goto also said that gradual strength in the yen could slow cost-push inflation and would improve real wages among domestic residents. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025

The extra surface area translates to photos with more gradual fall-off between focus and background, greater color depth, and of course more resolution. —Jim Fisher, PCMAG, 20 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