Gradual

/ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.

The recovery from her illness was gradual, taking several weeks to notice significant improvement.

Characterized by a low rate of change or a series of small, incremental changes.

The team made gradual improvements to their project, ensuring each change enhanced the overall quality.

Occurring in small steps rather than all at once.

They implemented a gradual increase in the training intensity over several months.

From Middle English gradual, from Latin gradalis (related to gradus 'step').

gradual process

A process that occurs slowly and in stages.

gradual improvement

An improvement that happens slowly over time.

progressive

Characterized by progress or gradual improvement.

incremental

Increasing gradually by small amounts.