Progress

/ˈprɑːɡres/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The process of improving or developing something over a period of time.

/ˈprɑːɡres/

nounneutralBeginner
General

Forward or onward movement toward a destination.

The company made steady progress in its financial goals.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a tower of blocks. Progress is like adding more blocks, making the tower bigger and better over time. It means things are getting better, more advanced, or closer to a goal! Like when you get better at riding your bike.

👶 For kids: Getting better or moving forward, like when you learn how to read!

More Examples

2

The students showed excellent progress in their studies.

3

The project's progress was closely monitored.

How It's Used

General

"The city has made significant progress in reducing crime."

Technology

"Technological progress has revolutionized communication."

2

To move forward or make progress toward a goal.

/prəˈɡres/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To move forward or advance toward a destination or goal.

The negotiations are progressing slowly.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to reach the top of a mountain. Progress is like taking steps closer to the top. It means you're getting closer to finishing something!

👶 For kids: To keep going and getting better at something, like learning how to tie your shoes!

More Examples

2

How is your work progressing?

3

The disease progressed rapidly.

How It's Used

Business

"The project team needs to progress quickly to meet the deadline."

Personal Development

"She is progressing well in her career."

Tip:Picture a runner steadily advancing towards the finish line.

Idioms & expressions

make progress

To move forward or improve.

"The team is making progress on the new software."

in progress

Happening or being done at the present time.

"The construction work is in progress."

From Latin *prōgressus*, past participle of *prōgredī* 'to go forward', from *prō-* 'forward' + *gradī* 'to step'.

The word 'progress' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a journey or a moving forward. Its meaning has broadened over time to include improvement and development.

Memory tip

Think of marching forward, making strides toward your goals.

progresprogessprograss

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written