Gradual (adjective)

1. Proceeding in small stages or by degrees.
2. Occurring or developing gradually or by slow stages.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin gradualis, from gradus "a step".

Examples:

1. The temperature change was gradual and went unnoticed.
2. The gradual shift in the wind direction caused the ship to veer off course.
3. The company implemented a gradual reduction in work hours to avoid layoffs.
4. The company experienced a gradual increase in profits over the past few years.
5. The government's new policy is aimed at a gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.