1. A slow, progressive lowering or reduction in elevation, intensity, or level
The airplane made a gradual descent to the runway.
O avião fez uma descida gradual até a pista.
2. A gentle slope or incline that decreases over time or distance
The mountain path had a gradual descent towards the valley.
A trilha da montanha tinha uma descida gradual em direção ao vale.
3. A progressive decline in quality, value, or condition
There was a gradual descent into economic crisis.
Houve uma descida gradual para a crise econômica.