What does sequential mean?
Sequential describes something that follows an order or proceeds one step after another. It is especially useful in formal and technical contexts, where the sequence of actions or stages matters: for example, a sequential process may involve a prescribed series of operations performed in order. The word can also describe events that occur in succession, such as sequential stages of an investigation. In computing, sequential access means retrieving or processing data in an ordered sequence rather than directly choosing an arbitrary location. Although “consecutive” is sometimes used as a near-synonym, it usually emphasizes uninterrupted immediacy, while “sequential” places greater emphasis on the overall order. Sequential is related to the familiar words sequence, sequel, and consequence, all of which reflect the underlying idea of following or coming after.
adjectiveExisting or occurring in a sequence; arranged in an ordered series. In computing and formal contexts, it may describe processes or access in which steps follow one another in a prescribed order.
- Arranged in or following an ordered sequence.
- Proceeding step by step in a prescribed order.
"The investigators laid out the sequential steps involved in rebuilding the archive."
"The recording was assembled through a sequential editing process."
"The report presents the findings in sequential order, beginning with the initial results."
Sequential literally means “following”: it comes from the Latin word for following in a line or order.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sequential come from?
Sequential entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin adjective sequentialis, meaning “following in order.” It was formed from sequens, the present participle of sequi, “to follow,” a verb that also underlies sequence, sequel, consequent, and consequential. The Latin participle sequens literally expressed the idea of one thing coming after another, and the English adjective preserves that sense of ordered progression.
Related word forms
How sequential is actually used
Sequential is common in formal, technical, and academic writing, especially when describing the order of steps, events, processes, or data access. In everyday use, it can sound more technical than simply saying “in order” or “one after another.”
Easily confused with sequential
Consecutive usually means immediately following one another without interruption, whereas sequential means forming an ordered series and may allow gaps or other intervening elements.