What does "progress" mean?

1. (improvement or development) the process of getting better or moving closer to a goal over time. 2. (forward movement) movement forward or toward a place. 3. (to develop or improve) to improve or move closer to a finished state. 4. (to move forward) to move forward in space or time. 5. (a royal journey) a formal journey made by a king or queen to visit different parts of their country.

How do you use "progress"?

Usually uncountable; often used with the verb 'make'. Intransitive; the stress shifts to the second syllable (pro-GRESS) in the verb form.

Is it correct to say "I am making a good progress in my English class."?

No — say "I am making good progress in my English class.". In this sense, progress is uncountable and does not take the indefinite article 'a'.

progress

n. · v.

US //ˈpɹɑˌɡɹɛs// progress

1 improvement or development (n.)
A2 Elementary

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

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

Example

The doctors are happy with the patient's progress after the surgery.

Example

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'.
- regression
- decline
Pitfall

I 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'.
2 forward movement (n.)
B1 Intermediate

movement forward or toward a place.

physical or metaphorical movement onwards or towards a specific objective.

Example

The heavy snow made our progress up the mountain very slow.

Example

The ship's progress was hampered by thick fog and floating ice, forcing the captain to reduce speed significantly.
- advance
- passage
- stoppage

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3 to develop or improve (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to improve or move closer to a finished state.

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

Example

The construction of the new school is progressing quickly.

Example

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.
- worsen
- regress
4 to move forward (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to move forward in space or time.

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

Example

The storm progressed across the valley throughout the afternoon.

Example

The disease may progress rapidly if it is not treated with the correct medication immediately.
- proceed
- advance
- retreat
5 a royal journey (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

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

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

Example

The history book describes the Queen's progress through the northern counties.

Example

The royal progress was a calculated display of power, intended to secure the loyalty of distant lords through direct personal contact.
- circuit
- tour

Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

From the noun. Lapsed into disuse in the 17th century, except in the US. Considered an Americanism on reintroduction to use in the UK.