progressively lessen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively lessen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual reduction or decrease in something over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the team's workload began to progressively lessen, allowing for more focus on quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What the passage of time has done for this superlative 1974 film is progressively lessen our sense of its being simply a  modern pastiche of the classic 30s gumshoe thrillers.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Experiment shows that small crack initiates from notch specimen at far higher rate than that of smooth specimen; small crack propagation is still faster than that of smooth specimen within notch plastic field, though this difference is progressively lessening; beyond notch plastic zone, small crack growth rate is approaching long crack growth rate.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Another important finding was that the condom use progressively lessened in lower-grade students of both genders.

BMC Public Health

However, the increase in post-prandial BHB in the participant with ApoE4 negative status progressively lessened over the course of the study suggesting an adaptation whereby ketones were used at an increased rate as an energy source.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

Data sharing, common data elements, and the posting of primary data will be progressively more important in lessening redundancy and in accelerating the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Breast Cancer Research

The uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation dedicated to ATP production that progressively appears in response to PGC-1α could be seen as an adaptive mechanism to lessen the production of ROS.

Human Molecular Genetics

Derivatives allow them to lessen that risk.

The Economist

Typically, businesses want to lessen government regulation.

The New York Times

The goal is to lessen smoking, right?

The New York Times

Wage inequality might even lessen".

The New York Times

Mr Murdoch's clout will lessen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressively lessen" to describe a gradual decline when you want to emphasize the continuous nature of the reduction over time. For example: "As the treatment continued, the patient's pain began to progressively lessen."

Common error

Avoid using "progressively lessen" when describing an immediate or abrupt change. It's best suited for processes unfolding gradually. An example of misuse: "The impact progressively lessened after the collision" should instead be "The impact lessened immediately after the collision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively lessen" functions as an adverb-verb combination, modifying the verb to indicate the manner in which the action is performed. It signifies a gradual or continuous decrease. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing its applicability in describing ongoing processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "progressively lessen" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English that describes a gradual decrease over time. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness, particularly in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage effectively conveys a continuous reduction, making it suitable for detailed descriptions of trends and processes. Alternatives like "gradually decrease" and "steadily diminish" offer similar meanings, but "progressively lessen" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decline. Remember to use it when describing gradual changes rather than abrupt shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decrease

This alternative replaces "progressively lessen" with a more common synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

steadily diminish

This alternative suggests a more constant and reliable reduction.

incrementally reduce

This alternative emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

slowly decline

This alternative suggests a more passive and less controlled reduction.

subtly wane

This alternative implies a gentle and almost imperceptible decrease.

moderately abate

This alternative is more formal and suggests a lessening of intensity.

continuously erode

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing and destructive nature of the reduction.

systematically alleviate

This alternative focuses on a methodic process that is being reduced.

relentlessly depreciate

This alternative is often used in finance and suggests a continuous decreasing trend in value.

naturally deflate

This suggests a decline that happens without intervention.

FAQs

How can I use "progressively lessen" in a sentence?

You can use "progressively lessen" to describe something that is gradually decreasing over time. For example: "The severity of his symptoms began to "progressively lessen" with the new medication."

What are some alternatives to "progressively lessen"?

Some alternatives to "progressively lessen" include "gradually decrease", "steadily diminish", or "incrementally reduce", each emphasizing a subtle aspect of gradual reduction.

Is it redundant to use "progressively lessen", and what are its connotations?

While "progressively" and "lessen" both imply a reduction, the combination emphasizes a gradual and continuous decline. This phrase is suitable when emphasizing the sustained nature of the decrease.

In what contexts is "progressively lessen" most appropriate?

"Progressively lessen" is fitting in academic, scientific, or formal contexts where describing gradual changes is crucial. It may be less suitable in casual conversation where simpler alternatives are preferred.