1. the policy or theory of achieving change through gradual steps rather than sudden or radical action
Usage: often used in political or social contexts
2. the theory that evolutionary change occurs slowly and steadily over long periods of time
Usage: biology; geology

Examples

• The civil rights leader advocated gradualism rather than violent protest.
• Political gradualism seeks to reform society through incremental changes.
• Darwin’s theory was based on gradualism in evolutionary development.
• The geologist supported gradualism in explaining rock formation.
• Critics argued that gradualism was too slow to address urgent social problems.
• The party’s gradualism disappointed activists who wanted immediate reform.
• Scientific gradualism suggests that major changes occur over millions of years.