What does progressively mean?
Progressively means “gradually,” “by degrees,” or “increasingly,” depending on the context. It describes a situation that develops through successive stages rather than changing suddenly. The adverb is especially common in the pattern “progressively more” or “progressively less,” where it shows a continuing change in degree: conditions may become progressively worse, stronger, simpler, or more difficult. It can also describe work carried out in stages, such as an assessment that “progressively assesses students.” The word is more formal than many everyday alternatives, although “increasingly” is often an especially natural choice in contemporary prose. Progressively derives from “progressive,” a term associated with advancement and forward development, so it carries a broad implication of continuous movement or change even when it describes deterioration rather than improvement.
adverbIn a manner that develops gradually or advances through successive stages. It can also mean increasingly, showing a continuing change in degree.
- Gradually or through successive stages.
- Increasingly, especially in a continuing change in degree.
"As the evening progressed, the conversation became progressively more difficult."
"The symptoms became progressively more severe over the following months."
"The material is progressively more difficult to find as the search moves farther from the city."
Progressively is how a small, steady change becomes unmistakable: conditions get progressively worse, and one late stage can look deceptively dramatic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does progressively come from?
The adverb was formed in English from “progressive,” which came through French from Latin “progressivus.” The Latin adjective was based on “pro-” and “gressus,” a past participle meaning “stepped” or “advanced,” from the verb “gradi,” meaning “to step” or “to walk.” English cognates include “progress,” “progression,” and “progressive,” all reflecting the idea of moving forward through steps.
How progressively is actually used
In modern usage, the word often means “increasingly,” but it can retain the fuller sense of development through stages. “Progressively more” is especially common when a quality or condition changes in degree. It is formal in tone, though not restricted to formal writing.
Easily confused with progressively
No distinct word is commonly confused with this adverb; it is sometimes confused in usage with “increasingly,” which emphasizes a rising degree rather than development through stages.