adj.
Gradual is used with these nouns: ↑ acceleration , ↑ acceptance , ↑ accumulation , ↑ ascent , ↑ build-up , ↑ change , ↑ climb , ↑ decline , ↑ decrease , ↑ descent , ↑ deterioration , ↑ development , ↑ disappearance , ↑ disintegration , ↑ drift , ↑ emergence , ↑ erosion , ↑ escalation , ↑ establishment , ↑ evolution , ↑ expansion , ↑ extension , ↑ implementation , ↑ improvement , ↑ increase , ↑ introduction , ↑ loss , ↑ move , ↑ process , ↑ progression , ↑ realization , ↑ recovery , ↑ reduction , ↑ relaxation , ↑ replacement , ↑ return , ↑ rise , ↑ shift , ↑ slope , ↑ spread , ↑ transformation , ↑ transition , ↑ trend , ↑ withdrawal