B2adjectivescienceenvironment
US/ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/
UK/ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/
happening slowly, in small steps, over a long time
In context
There has been a gradual increase in the number of tourists.
Recovery from the injury was gradual, and he needed months of training.
The road makes a gradual climb to the top of the hill.
Words that go with gradual
adjective + noun
- gradual changeClimate change is a gradual change, not a sudden one.
- gradual increaseA gradual increase in prices worried shoppers.
- gradual processLearning a language is a gradual process.
- gradual declineThe town suffered a gradual decline after the factory closed.
- gradual improvementThe teacher noticed a gradual improvement in his writing.
- gradual withdrawalTroops began a gradual withdrawal from the region.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The temperature rose gradual.Correct: The temperature rose gradually.