# progression

/pɹəˈɡɹɛʃən/ (US) · /pɹəɡɹˈɛʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/progression
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. development or advancement

noun · CEFR B2

the process of developing or moving to a higher or more advanced level.

For teachers: the act of progressing or moving forward in a course of development or evolution.

- The doctor was happy with the patient's steady progression toward full health.
- The natural progression of the disease can be slowed significantly if the patient adheres to the prescribed therapeutic regimen.

### 2. a sequence of stages

noun · CEFR B2

a series of things that follow one after another in a logical order.

For teachers: a sequence or continuous series of events, stages, or items that follow a logical or chronological order.

- The book shows the progression of the artist's style over forty years.
- The curriculum follows a logical progression, ensuring that students master fundamental concepts before moving on to more abstract theories.

### 3. mathematical sequence

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a series of numbers where each number is found by adding or multiplying the same amount each time.

For teachers: a sequence of numbers in which there is a constant relation between any number and the one succeeding it.

- In an arithmetic progression like 2, 4, 6, 8, you add two to each number.
- The students were asked to calculate the tenth term of the geometric progression by identifying the common ratio between the initial integers.

### 4. chord sequence

noun · CEFR B2

a series of musical notes or chords played one after another.

For teachers: a succession of musical chords or harmonic changes that forms the basis of a section of music.

- The song uses a simple chord progression that is very easy to learn on guitar.
- The composer utilised a non-traditional harmonic progression to create a sense of unease that resolved only in the final bars of the movement.

## Examples

- The doctor is happy with the patient's steady progression toward recovery.
- The curriculum is designed to ensure a logical progression from basic grammar to advanced conversational skills.
- The artist's early sketches show a clear progression from simple line drawings to the complex, layered oil paintings that eventually defined her career.

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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.