progressively lessening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively lessening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is gradually decreasing over time. Example: "The pain in my knee has been progressively lessening since I started physical therapy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

Savannas arose as rainfall progressively lessened in the edges of the tropics during the Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago to the present)—in particular, during the past 25 million years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

But the pressure is lessening.

The Economist

Just possibly, outflows may be lessening.

The Economist

The urge to save may be lessening.

The Economist

Lessening Congo's Violence.

Forbes

Lessening Banking Crisis.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "progressively lessening", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and over what period. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "progressively lessening" without specifying the endpoint or goal of the reduction. Without a clear objective, the phrase can seem vague or incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively lessening" functions as an adverbial modifier describing how an action or state is changing. It indicates the manner in which something is decreasing over time, adding emphasis to the gradual nature of the reduction. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "progressively lessening" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a gradual reduction or decline. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a continuous process of diminishment. While relatively rare in occurrence, this phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "gradually decreasing" or "steadily diminishing" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "progressively lessening", be sure to clearly specify what is being reduced to avoid any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decreasing

Replaces "progressively" with "gradually", maintaining the sense of a slow, continuous reduction.

steadily diminishing

Substitutes both words with synonyms that emphasize a consistent and weakening decline.

incrementally reducing

Emphasizes that the lessening happens in small steps or increments.

slowly declining

Focuses on the slowness of the reduction, suitable for describing trends or conditions.

continually fading

Suggests a gradual disappearance or weakening, often used in more figurative contexts.

systematically alleviating

Indicates a planned or methodical approach to reducing something, like pain or symptoms.

moderately abating

Implies a reduction in intensity or severity, often used in the context of weather or pain.

bit by bit decreasing

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the reduction, suitable for simple or observable changes.

eases over time

Uses a more casual tone to describe a gradual reduction or relief.

decline in stages

Highlights the phased nature of the decrease, suitable for planned or expected reductions.

FAQs

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

You can use "progressively lessening" to describe a gradual reduction in something over time. For instance, "The pain was "progressively lessening" after the medication."

What are some alternatives to "progressively lessening"?

Alternatives include "gradually decreasing", "steadily diminishing", or "incrementally reducing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "progressively lessening"?

While "lessening" already implies a reduction, "progressively" emphasizes that the reduction occurs gradually and continuously. The redundancy can add emphasis in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "progressively lessening" and "completely disappearing"?

"Progressively lessening" indicates a gradual reduction, while "completely disappearing" suggests that something vanishes entirely. The former implies a continuing, albeit diminishing, presence, whereas the latter implies complete removal.