gradual

US /ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/

UK /ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/

1.

taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees

:

•

There has been a gradual improvement in her health.

•

The transition was gradual, not sudden.

:

slow steady progressive piecemeal

:

sudden abrupt

:

gradually