Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a way that advances or develops gradually by stages; in a manner that moves forward or becomes more intense over time. It describes a change that happens in steps or degrees, not all at once.

Usage

The adverb "progressively" is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action, state, or quality is changing or increasing in a gradual, step-by-step manner. - It often describes trends, changes, or developments. - It is typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies, or at the end of a clause.

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:
  • The patient's condition became progressively worse. (The worsening happened in stages over time.)
  • The lessons get progressively more difficult. (The difficulty increases step by step.)
• Modifying a verb:
  • The company is progressively expanding its operations into new markets. (The expansion is happening gradually.)
  • She progressively improved her skills through practice. (The improvement occurred in degrees.)
• At the end of a clause:
  • His eyesight deteriorated progressively. (The deterioration was gradual.)

Advanced Usage

• In formal or academic contexts: Used to describe systematic change in economics, politics, or science.
  • The tax rate increases progressively with income. (The rate rises in stages as income rises.)
• "Progressively more" + adjective: A common collocation emphasizing incremental increase.
  • The climate crisis is becoming a progressively more urgent issue.

Variants and Related Words

• Progressive (adjective): Happening or developing gradually or in stages; (in politics) favoring reform or new ideas.
  • a progressive disease
  • progressive policies
• Progress (noun/verb): Forward or onward movement; to develop toward an improved state.
  • the progress of science
  • Work on the project is progressing well.

Synonyms

• Increasingly: More and more. (Often interchangeable, but "increasingly" focuses more on the "more" aspect, while "progressively" emphasizes the step-by-step process.)
• Gradually: Slowly, in a gradual way.
• Step by step: In a series of distinct stages.

Antonyms

• Suddenly: Quickly and unexpectedly.
• Abruptly: Suddenly and sharply.
• Regressively: In a way that moves backward or returns to a less advanced state.

Related Phrases

• Progressively worse/better: A standard phrase indicating a steady decline or improvement.
  • The pain became progressively worse throughout the day.
• Progressively over time: Emphasizing the temporal aspect of the gradual change.
  • The valley was formed progressively over time by the river.

Adverb

1. advancing in amount or intensity
   • she became increasingly depressed