gradual

American  

[graj-oo-uhl] / ˈgrædʒ u əl /

adjective

1. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little.

   gradual improvement in health.

   Antonyms:

   sudden

2. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination.

   a gradual slope.

   Synonyms:

   gentle

   Antonyms:

   precipitous

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noun

1. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an antiphon sung between the Epistle and the Gospel in the Eucharistic service.

   2. a book containing the words and music of the parts of the liturgy that are sung by the choir.

gradual British  

/ ˈɡrædjʊəl /

adjective

1. occurring, developing, moving, etc, in small stages

   a gradual improvement in health

2. not steep or abrupt

   a gradual slope

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noun

1. (often capital) Christianity

   1. an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass

   2. a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir

Synonym Usage

See slow.

Other Word Forms

• gradualness
  noun
• ungradual
  adjective
• gradually
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of gradual

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduālis “pertaining to steps,” graduāle the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps, equivalent to Latin gradu(s) “step,” + -ālis adjective suffix; see grade, -al ¹

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Explanation

Use the adjective gradual to describe something that happens slowly, bit by bit, like the gradual decrease in the amount of daylight in winter. Gradual can also apply to the gentle slope of landforms like hills. A gradual incline seems to slowly rise — you may not even realize you're walking up such a hill. Gradual comes from the Latin word gradus, which means "step." Step by step, a gradual hill climbs, while a steep hill seems to leap up into the air.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gradual

Since last week’s meeting, several Fed officials have suggested more increases will be needed at a gradual pace, broadly reinforcing a strong presumption of another rate rise next month.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

While "investments in renewable energy are essential", Turkey's energy transition "must be carried out in a planned and gradual manner," he stressed.

From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2026

Natural menopause is a gradual, natural, biological transition where hormone levels slowly decline over several years.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

Over time, repeated weight loss and regain could therefore contribute to a gradual reduction in muscle mass and increase the risk of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by declining muscle mass and strength.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026

‘So gradual you could sometimes convince yourself it wasn’t really happening. Till it started speeding up, and it felt like every time we saw her she’d taken another giant turn for the worse.’

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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Related Words

• continuous
• creeping
• piecemeal
• progressive
• slow
• steady
• step-by-step

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