progression
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
A sequence or series; the process of moving from one musical chord to another; a succession of things in a sequence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a forward movement or improvement, though can refer to a logical sequence of stages without connotation of improvement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. British English may use 'progression' slightly more in technical/sports contexts (e.g., career progression).
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. In educational contexts, both use "spiral progression" similarly.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in academic and business contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
progression from X to Yprogression through Xprogression towards Xprogression of XVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A natural progression”
- “In progression”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to career advancement or sequential stages in a project.
Academic
Used in mathematics (arithmetic progression), music (chord progression), and to describe developmental sequences.
Everyday
Common in discussions of learning, skill development, or health.
Technical
Specific sequences in mathematics, music theory, or medical staging of disease.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her progression in reading has been very good this term.
- We followed the natural progression from seed to plant.
- The team's progression to the finals was unexpected.
- The book shows the progression of his ideas over time.
- There is a clear progression in difficulty through the textbook's chapters.
- Career progression in this company is based on merit.
- The chord progression in the bridge modulates to a relative minor key.
- The geometric progression of the infection rate necessitated stricter measures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessional's GRESS (step) - each step forward is a progression.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESSION IS A JOURNEY / PROGRESSION IS A SEQUENCE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'progress' (прогресс) - 'progression' is more about the process/steps. 'Progression' often translates as 'последовательность' (sequence) or 'постепенное развитие', not just 'прогресс'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'progression' as a synonym for simple 'progress' (though related, 'progression' emphasizes sequenced stages).
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'progress').
- Misspelling as 'progession'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'progression'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Progress' is more general advancement or improvement. 'Progression' emphasizes a series of steps, stages, or a sequence in that advancement.
Yes, e.g., 'the progression of the disease' implies a negative forward movement through stages.
It can be both. Uncountable: 'Career progression is important.' Countable: 'The chord progressions in jazz are complex.'
A sequence of numbers where the difference between consecutive terms is constant (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8...).
Explore