progreso
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “progreso” mean in English?
progress — forward movement or improvement towards a better state; normatively positive unlike desarrollo
progress — forward movement or improvement towards a better state; normatively positive unlike desarrollo (el progreso tecnológico, hacer progresos)
Example sentences
El progreso tecnológico ha generado riqueza y bienestar, pero también ha ampliado la brecha entre quienes acceden a sus beneficios y quienes no.
Technological progress has generated wealth and wellbeing, but has also widened the gap between those who access its benefits and those who do not.
Hacer progresos en la reducción de las emisiones de CO₂ requiere compromisos vinculantes, no solo declaraciones de intenciones.
Making progress in reducing CO₂ emissions requires binding commitments, not just declarations of intent.
How to use it
El progreso means 'progress' — forward movement towards a better, more advanced, or more developed state. It is an evaluative concept (progress = improvement) and a high-frequency abstract noun in journalism, education, and policy. Key collocations: el progreso tecnológico, el progreso social, hacer progresos, el progreso científico, ralentizar/impulsar el progreso. Important cluster distinction: progreso (qualitative forward movement — improvement) vs desarrollo (process of growing/maturing) vs crecimiento (quantitative increase). In critical discourse, el relato del progreso (the progress narrative) is used sceptically — progress is not always neutral.
Common mistake
Progreso (evaluative — forward movement towards better) vs desarrollo (descriptive — process of growing/maturing). 'Scientific progress' = 'progreso científico'; 'sustainable development' = 'desarrollo sostenible' (the UN Brundtland sense). The adverb 'progressively' = 'progresivamente' (aligns well — no trap).