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

Lewis explained watching her mom’s slow progression throughout the years has been hard. —Sarah Baniak, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025

Centre-backs must offer some form of ball progression, through carries and/or passes. —Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

That has put him a bit behind in his buildup progression, but Beeter, another right-handed relief option, has already begun throwing off a mound. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025

Part of this care is providing ARV treatment (antiretroviral drugs which help to suppress the virus, slowing down the progression of HIV and reducing the risk of AIDS). —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

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