noun
Common
progression
pruh-GREHSHN
Progression (noun) means a gradual movement or development from one stage to the next. Example: “Doctors tracked the progression from a mild cough to a chest infection.”
noun
1
A gradual movement or development from one stage to the next.
"Doctors tracked the progression from a mild cough to a chest infection."
"She admired the steady progression of her pupils from beginners to confident players."
"The progression of the disease was slower than expected."
2
A sequence of musical chords played one after another.
"The pianist opened the piece with a jazzy chord progression."
"Learning a common chord progression helps beginners write their own songs."
"The song relies on a simple four-chord progression."
How to use progression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA step-by-step movement forward or development through stages.
Common pairings
natural progression
career progression
chord progression
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Word forms
- Plural
- progressions
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Doctors tracked the _____ from a mild cough to a chest infection.
Etymology
From Latin progressio, from progredi, "to advance."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for progression
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for progression →
Frequently asked questions
What does “progression” mean?
The word “progression” means a gradual movement or development from one stage to the next. In plain terms, a step-by-step movement forward or development through stages.
How do you pronounce “progression”?
“Progression” is pronounced pruh-GREHSHN (/pɹəˈɡɹɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “progression” in a sentence?
Here is “progression” used in a sentence: “The progression of the disease was slower than expected.”
What is another word for “progression”?
Words with a similar meaning to “progression” include sequence.
What is the opposite of “progression”?
The opposite of “progression” — its antonyms — are regress and retrogression.
What part of speech is “progression”?
“Progression” is a noun.
Where does the word “progression” come from?
The word “progression” comes from Latin. From Latin progressio, from progredi, "to advance.".
Is “progression” a common word?
“Progression” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'progression' and 'progress'?
Progress usually refers to forward movement or improvement as a general idea ('we made progress'), while progression emphasises the gradual movement from one stage to the next. Progression tends to highlight the steps or order involved, as in a 'natural progression.'
What is a chord progression in music?
A chord progression is a sequence of musical chords played one after another, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece. A repeating set of chords in this way shapes the mood of countless pop, blues, and jazz songs.
What is the difference between 'progression' and 'regression'?
Progression is a gradual movement or development forward from one stage to the next, while regression is a movement backward to an earlier or less developed state. They are opposites: one advances, the other retreats.
What is the difference between 'progression' and 'progressive'?
Progression is a noun meaning a gradual advance or a sequence of steps or chords. Progressive is an adjective describing something that advances in stages or favours change and reform, as in 'progressive taxation' or 'a progressive illness.'
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