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

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

He graduated from Occidental College in California and was a pitcher for an independent, minor-league baseball team before landing a tech sales job at Oracle in 2013.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

However when she graduated, the reality of life outside the college bubble bit hard.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

By the time they graduated, he had fallen for Shaker Heights as well, the way Elena described it: the first planned community, the most progressive community, the perfect place for young idealists.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng