progressive effect
noun phraseUK /prəˈɡresɪv ɪˈfekt/
US /prəˈɡresɪv ɪˈfekt/
A change that happens slowly, step by step, over time.
The progressive effect of daily reading made her a much stronger student by the end of the year.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In economics, the way a tax takes a bigger share from people who earn more.
The progressive effect of the new tax system meant wealthier families paid a higher rate.
3. In medicine, a symptom that keeps getting worse as time passes.
Doctors watched the progressive effect of the illness on his breathing.
4. In grammar, the way a continuing action is shown with '-ing' forms.
The progressive effect of 'is running' shows the action is still happening.