Word
progress
/ˈpɹɑˌɡɹɛs/
Definitions
01improvement or development
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
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.
日本語:進歩※
“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'.
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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02forward movement
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. movement forward or toward a place.
n. physical or metaphorical movement onwards or towards a specific objective.
日本語:前進※
“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.”
Antonyms
03to develop or improve
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.
日本語:進行する※
“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.
04to move forward
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to move forward in space or time.
v. 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.”
Antonyms
05a royal journey
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Literary
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.
“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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “progress” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Iran and Oman have made progress toward a deal to reopen the strait of Hormuz, a potential breakthrough that could help end the war in the Middle East, regional officials have said.” “Vance and Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, hailed the progress made during nearly 18 hours of talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.” “Hard-won progress on women’s access to healthcare, rights and employment is being put at risk from global conflict, cuts to aid spending, and a backlash against gender equality, according to a UN equality watchdog.” “We are making incredible progress in global poverty, health, longevity and climate change, but these trends are harder to perceive because they accumulate gradually and quietly.” Etymology
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/progress
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0