progression

The process of moving forward or developing through a series of stages.

• Her career progression was steady.
• The lessons allow a gradual progression towards harder tasks.
• We tracked his progression through each stage.

How to use it: progression towards something (The course supports progression towards advanced study.); progression through something (Her progression through the ranks was rapid.)

Similar words: progress, advancement, development

Opposites: regression

Common phrases: steady progression, career progression, progression towards something, disease progression

A move from one activity, position, or stage to another.

• Coaching was a natural progression for her.
• His progression from assistant to manager took two years.
• The book shows a logical progression from theory to practice.

How to use it: progression from something to something (The progression from student to teacher felt natural.)

Similar words: transition, move

Common phrases: natural progression, logical progression, progression from something