graduated
adjective
grad·u·at·ed ˈgra-jə-ˌwā-təd 
1
: marked with divisions indicating degrees or units of measurement
a graduated cylinder/tube
graduated measuring cups
2
a
: divided into or arranged in grades, steps, or successive levels usually proportionally
a graduated series of honors
b
of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : progressive
a graduated income tax
Example Sentences
a series of bowls in graduated sizes
Recent Examples on the Web But these are small-scale measures, and represent a graduated approach that will probably only advertise how ineffectual our response is each step of the way. 
The Editors, National Review, 23 Feb. 2022 The Carmel Highlands property is linked by a cantilevered bridge, its graduated horizontal planes addressing nature with a harmonious handshake. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2022 Burns wants this funding to allow the team to bring back graduated players, including Ginnis and Payton, to coach and help out during their breaks. Chloe Peterson, The Arizona Republic, 19 Aug. 2022 Will O’Dell was 3-of-8 for 64 yards as the sophomore takes over for graduated Oak Mountain four-year starting quarterback Evan Smith. Drew Champlin, al, 19 Aug. 2022 Jayden Prophete is expected to step in for graduated tailback Jayden Clerveaux and Nick Raymond will anchor the offensive line for the Crimson Tide. Nate Weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 Delaware has a graduated state individual income tax, with rates ranging from 2.20 percent to 6.60 percent. David Rae, Forbes, 7 July 2022 Opponents of the graduated income tax formed at least five different campaign committees that raised nearly $63 million altogether. Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 9 July 2022 Most states with graduated income tax rates index their income tax brackets for inflation. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 16 June 2022 See More
The Editors, National Review, 23 Feb. 2022 The Carmel Highlands property is linked by a cantilevered bridge, its graduated horizontal planes addressing nature with a harmonious handshake. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2022 Burns wants this funding to allow the team to bring back graduated players, including Ginnis and Payton, to coach and help out during their breaks. Chloe Peterson, The Arizona Republic, 19 Aug. 2022 Will O’Dell was 3-of-8 for 64 yards as the sophomore takes over for graduated Oak Mountain four-year starting quarterback Evan Smith. Drew Champlin, al, 19 Aug. 2022 Jayden Prophete is expected to step in for graduated tailback Jayden Clerveaux and Nick Raymond will anchor the offensive line for the Crimson Tide. Nate Weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 Delaware has a graduated state individual income tax, with rates ranging from 2.20 percent to 6.60 percent. David Rae, Forbes, 7 July 2022 Opponents of the graduated income tax formed at least five different campaign committees that raised nearly $63 million altogether. Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 9 July 2022 Most states with graduated income tax rates index their income tax brackets for inflation. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 16 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see graduate entry 1
First Known Use
1679, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Phrases Containing graduated
Legal Definition
graduated
adjective
grad·u·at·ed
ˈgra-jə-ˌwā-təd
of a tax : increasing in rate with increase in taxable base : progressive