progress
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the process of getting better or moving closer to a goal over time.
n.advancement toward a higher or more developed state; systematic improvement or growth.
Simple“The doctors are happy with the patient's progress after the surgery.”
In context“Technological progress in the last decade has fundamentally altered the way we communicate and share information globally.”
UsageUsually uncountable; often used with the verb 'make'.
PitfallI am making a good progress in my English class. I am making good progress in my English class.In this sense, progress is uncountable and does not take the indefinite article 'a'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.movement forward or toward a place.
n.physical or metaphorical movement onwards or towards a specific objective.
Simple“The heavy snow made our progress up the mountain very slow.”
In context“The ship's progress was hampered by thick fog and floating ice, forcing the captain to reduce speed significantly.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to improve or move closer to a finished state.
v.to develop or move toward completion; to reach a more advanced stage.
Simple“The construction of the new school is progressing quickly.”
In context“As the negotiations progressed, both parties began to find common ground on the most difficult issues.”
UsageIntransitive; the stress shifts to the second syllable (pro-GRESS) in the verb form.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move forward in space or time.
v.to move or proceed forward; to continue through a sequence of events.
Simple“The storm progressed across the valley throughout the afternoon.”
In context“The disease may progress rapidly if it is not treated with the correct medication immediately.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a formal journey made by a king or queen to visit different parts of their country.
n.a formal or state journey made by a monarch or high official, often involving a series of visits.
Simple“The history book describes the Queen's progress through the northern counties.”
In context“The royal progress was a calculated display of power, intended to secure the loyalty of distant lords through direct personal contact.”
Usage progress achieved · progress made · progress until
From Middle English progresse, from Old French progres (“a going forward”), from Latin prōgressus (“an advance”), from the participle stem of prōgredī (“to go forward, advance, develop”), from pro- (“forth, before”) + gradi (“to walk, go”). Displaced native Old English forþgang.
From the noun. Lapsed into disuse in the 17th century, except in the US. Considered an Americanism on reintroduction to use in the UK.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.