gradual

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Recessions are generally characterized, in the first instance, by the substitution of a sudden, sharp, upward movement in the unemployment rate for a gradual downward or sideways movement.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"It was a gradual losing of hope," says Harris.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

And dealing with a rapid gasoline-price increase is a lot harder than dealing with a gradual one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

“The housing market continues to show gradual improvements compared to a year ago amid recent rate volatility,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

There is a theory that the process of aging may be due to the cumulative effect of imprecision, a gradual degrading of information.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas