progressively
gb/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/ us/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/
B2
English
~ 9500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
Gradually over a period of time
Slowly and steadily over time, step by step.
Usage pattern:
progressively [comparative adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"very progressively"* to mean *"very gradually"*, but *progressively* already includes the idea of degree, so adding *very* is usually unnecessary. Another mistake is using *progressively* without a following change word; it is most natural before a comparative adjective (e.g., *progressively more difficult*, *progressively colder*).
Synonyms
gradually (More common and slightly simpler; very close in meaning in most situations.)
|
steadily (Emphasizes that the change is regular and constant, not just slow.)
Antonyms
suddenly (Describes change that happens all at once, not slowly over time.)
Collocations
progressively worse
|progressively better
|progressively more difficult
|progressively smaller
|progressively larger
|progressively more expensive
Themes
time
|change
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The symptoms became progressively worse over several months.
- The exercises get progressively more difficult as the course continues.
- Housing has become progressively more expensive in major cities.
- The noise increased progressively until it was hard to concentrate.
- Each version of the software is progressively faster and more stable.
Learner examples
- The pain got progressively worse during the day.
- The test questions became progressively more difficult.
- Food prices are getting progressively higher every year.
- Her English is improving progressively with daily practice.
- The game gets progressively harder after level three.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
In a modern, reform-minded way
In a way that follows modern, liberal ideas and tries to change society or an organization to be more fair or open.
Usage pattern:
to [govern/think/act] progressively
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this political or social sense with the more common 'gradually' sense. In phrases like *"govern progressively"* or *"think progressively"*, it usually means *"in a modern, reformist way"*, not *"step by step".* Context about politics, society, or values often signals this meaning.
Synonyms
liberally (Often overlaps in political contexts, but can also refer more generally to generosity or open-mindedness.)
Antonyms
conservatively (Emphasizes keeping traditional systems or values rather than pushing modern reforms.)
Collocations
govern progressively
|think progressively
|act progressively
|lead progressively
|manage progressively
|educate progressively
Themes
politics
|society
|education
Examples
- The party promised to govern progressively on climate and social issues.
- He tries to manage the company progressively, encouraging flexible hours and remote work.
- Universities that think progressively are reexamining how they admit and support students.
Learner examples
- The new mayor wants to lead the city progressively.
- Some schools now teach very progressively.
- The company says it will act progressively on gender equality.
- Young people often think more progressively about family roles.
Grammar
Dictionary form
progressively
IPA
GB/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/
US/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/
Syllables & stress
pro - gress - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (gress)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: progressively
- Plural: progressivelies
Word family
Forms
progressivelies
noun
Core family
progress
noun A2
progressive
adjective B2
Related words
progression
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
progressively more difficult
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli mˈɔɹ dˈɪfɪkʌlt/
fixed phrase
Becoming harder step by step
Becoming more difficult slowly and step by step.
Examples
- The lessons become progressively more difficult as the course goes on.
- Each stage of the game is progressively more difficult than the last one.
progressively more expensive
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli mˈɔɹ ɪkspˈɛnsɪv/
fixed phrase
Becoming more costly over time
Costing more and more money slowly over time.
Examples
- Housing near the city center is progressively more expensive.
- Tickets get progressively more expensive as the event date approaches.
progressively more severe
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli mˈɔɹ sɪvˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
Becoming more serious over time
Slowly becoming more serious or strong over time.
Examples
- Patients may experience progressively more severe symptoms without treatment.
- The drought has led to progressively more severe water restrictions.
progressively worse
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli wˈɚs/
fixed phrase
Becoming worse over time
Getting worse slowly and steadily over a period of time.
Examples
- His eyesight has grown progressively worse over the last five years.
- The traffic is getting progressively worse as more people move to the city.