# progress

/ˈpɹɑˌɡɹɛs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/progress
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. improvement or development

noun · CEFR A2

the process of getting better or moving closer to a goal over time.

For teachers: advancement toward a higher or more developed state; systematic improvement or growth.

- The doctors are happy with the patient's progress after the surgery.
- Technological progress in the last decade has fundamentally altered the way we communicate and share information globally.

Usage: Usually uncountable; often used with the verb 'make'.

### 2. forward movement

noun · CEFR B1

movement forward or toward a place.

For teachers: physical or metaphorical movement onwards or towards a specific objective.

- The heavy snow made our progress up the mountain very slow.
- The ship's progress was hampered by thick fog and floating ice, forcing the captain to reduce speed significantly.

### 3. to develop or improve

verb · CEFR B1

to improve or move closer to a finished state.

For teachers: to develop or move toward completion; to reach a more advanced stage.

- The construction of the new school is progressing quickly.
- As the negotiations progressed, both parties began to find common ground on the most difficult issues.

Usage: Intransitive; the stress shifts to the second syllable (pro-GRESS) in the verb form.

### 4. to move forward

verb · CEFR B2

to move forward in space or time.

For teachers: to move or proceed forward; to continue through a sequence of events.

- The storm progressed across the valley throughout the afternoon.
- The disease may progress rapidly if it is not treated with the correct medication immediately.

### 5. a royal journey

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a formal journey made by a king or queen to visit different parts of their country.

For teachers: a formal or state journey made by a monarch or high official, often involving a series of visits.

- The history book describes the Queen's progress through the northern counties.
- The royal progress was a calculated display of power, intended to secure the loyalty of distant lords through direct personal contact.

## Examples

- We are making good progress on the new project.
- The doctor noted that the patient was making steady progress after the surgery and would soon walk again.
- Although technological progress has dramatically increased global living standards, it has also introduced complex environmental challenges that require immediate international action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.