gradual
n. B1 Intermediate US //ˈɡɹædʒuəɫ// UK //ɡɹˈædʒuːəl// grad·u·al
n. happening slowly over a long period of time rather than all at once.
n. occurring or developing by small steps or degrees; not sudden or abrupt.
The path up the hill is a gradual slope.
The company noticed a gradual increase in sales over the last six months.
The transition from traditional manufacturing to fully automated systems was a gradual process that required extensive retraining for the existing workforce.
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used to describe changes, slopes, or improvements.