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

A packed fixture schedule meant a gradual introduction to his squad was impossible.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

The CEOs of McDonald’s or Walmart know an energy crunch will raise their costs and pinch their customers, but the effects are gradual and hard for them to quantify.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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

In any case, all of these trends are long-term changes that one would expect to have gradual effects.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell