1. a rate of change in a quantity, especially temperature, pressure, or concentration
Usage: scientific
2. the degree of slope of a road, path, or railway
3. a gradual change from one color, tone, or shade to another
Usage: art; design

1. proceeding by steps or degrees
Usage: formal

Examples

• The temperature gradient in the atmosphere affects weather patterns.
• The steep gradient made cycling uphill very difficult.
• The road has a 10% gradient at its steepest point.
• The artist used a blue-to-white gradient in the sky.
• The background shows a smooth color gradient.
• The gradient increase in difficulty helped students learn gradually.