1
a(1)
: a royal journey marked by pomp and pageant
(2)
: a state procession
b
: a tour or circuit made by an official (such as a judge)
c
: an expedition, journey, or march through a region
2
: a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) : advance
3
: gradual betterment
especially
: the progressive development of humankind
progressed; progressing; progresses
1
: to move forward : proceed
2
: to develop to a higher, better, or more advanced stage
Examples of progress in a Sentence
Noun
the rapid progress of the ship
He made slow progress down the steep cliff.
The project showed slow but steady progress.
Verb
The project has been progressing slowly.
The work is progressing and should be completed soon.
The caravan progressed slowly across the desert.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
At the same time, if the U.S. fully commits to Golden Dome, a significant amount of progress can be made in this time.
—Iain Boyd, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Due to the shortage of hospital beds, the individuals are often stuck in legal limbo in which their cases can’t progress until they get treated.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for progress
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Noun
These are some of nearly 70 environmental action items identified in the Project 2025 Tracker, of which 47 are already completed or in progress less than 150 days into President Trump’s second term.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
At the same time, if the U.S. fully commits to Golden Dome, a significant amount of progress can be made in this time.
—Iain Boyd, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Verb
As the film progresses and Joel descends into a darker world of exploitation and cruelty, Cruise gradually chips away at his innocence to reveal a sober, world-weary demeanor.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Due to the shortage of hospital beds, the individuals are often stuck in legal limbo in which their cases can’t progress until they get treated.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for progress
Cite this Entry
“Progress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progress. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
progress
1 of 2 noun
prog·ress
ˈpräg-rəs 
-ˌres,
chiefly British ˈprō-ˌgres
1
: a moving toward a goal
the progress of a ship
2
: gradual improvement or advancement
the progress of science
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