graduated

American  

[graj-oo-ey-tid] / ˈgrædʒ uˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. characterized by or arranged in degrees, especially successively, as according to height, depth, or difficulty.

   a graduated series of lessons.

2. marked with divisions or units of measurement.

3. (of a bird's tail) having the longest feathers in the center, the others being successively shorter.

4. (of a tax) increasing along with the taxable base.

   a graduated income tax.

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graduated Scientific  

/ grăj′o̅o̅-ā′tĭd /

1. Divided into or marked with intervals indicating measures, as of length, volume, or temperature.

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Other Word Forms

• nongraduated adjective
• overgraduated adjective
• ungraduated adjective

Etymology

Origin of graduated

First recorded in 1645–55; graduate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

He graduated from Texas A&M University with a petroleum engineering degree.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The Institute says it has graduated more than 40,000 missionaries since its founding in 1970.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Roshan graduated from Syracuse University in 2023, where he studied journalism and served as sports editor of the student newspaper, the Daily Orange.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

After leaving school he graduated with engineering degrees in Kathmandu and later in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

At a time when nine out of ten students never even graduated from high school, she was aiming at college.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield