Skip to main content

progress is exponential

A phenomenon seen in technological advancement and more specifically, computer programming. The more progress is made, the easier it is to make more progress.
It starts with typing two whole files of code for weeks and absolutely no results, ends with adding cool features everyday. Progress is exponential.
by OffensiveKpopFan November 28, 2023
mugGet the progress is exponential mug.

Progress Spectrum Theory

The idea that societal or civilizational "progress" is not a single, inevitable ladder (e.g., hunter-gatherer → agrarian → industrial → information age) but a multidimensional space with multiple, often competing, vectors. One axis might be material/technological capacity (energy use, computation). Another is social/ethical development (equity, justice, reduction of suffering). A third is ecological sustainability (harmony with biosphere). A society can surge forward on one axis while regressing on another. "Progress" is thus a value-laden choice of which vector to prioritize. The theory challenges the notion that a society with smartphones and space rockets is inherently "more progressed" than one with strong community bonds, mental health, and a stable climate.
Example: Consider two societies. Society A: Has advanced AI, genetic engineering, and interplanetary travel, but suffers from extreme inequality, pervasive depression, and is in a state of ecological collapse. Society B: Has early-industrial technology but has solved collective action problems, provides universal well-being, and lives in a steady-state economy within planetary boundaries. Linear progress theory says A is ahead. Progress Spectrum Theory plots them on different coordinates: A is high on tech, low on social/ecological axes; B is the inverse. True "advancement" might be seen as moving towards a balanced point in the center of the spectrum, or consciously choosing a different optimal point based on collective values. History isn't a march; it's a dance across a multi-axis graph. Progress Spectrum Theory.
by Nammugal January 24, 2026
mugGet the Progress Spectrum Theory mug.

the fake sound of progress

Lostprophets debut album. One of the most original and kick ass alternative/metal cds ever made. The album included the ridiculously good songs shinobi vs dragonninja, kobrakai, and a thousand apologies. If you have never seen this band live, you must. It will be one of the best acts you will ever see.
"Wait, this is lostprophets? Oh, the fake sound of progress is their first cd. Yea I know, Last Train Home sucked but this stuff is awesome."
by fultzyk711 December 18, 2005
mugGet the the fake sound of progress mug.

211 in progress

(1) Police code for a robbery currently taking place

(2) The act of consuming a 40 oz. of Steel Reserve malt liqour
Stan: "Dude you drank half that 40 already?!?"

Oliver: "211 in progress!"
by etafatdik June 19, 2008
mugGet the 211 in progress mug.

Enemy of Progress

Often abbreviated to EOP. Someone who hinders progress or positive situations.
John walks past as Lisa is taking a picture of something.

Lisa: "John you are such a Enemy of Progress".
by vraidiscours May 14, 2014
mugGet the Enemy of Progress mug.

a work in progress

Something that is being progressively modified, and improved over time. Most usually used to suggest that it's happening at a rate more slowly than desired.
"How is the renovation on your house coming along?"
"It's a work in progress."

"You've been spending a lot of time at the gym. How is your fitness coming along?"
"I'm a work in progress."
by Jay Greenfield May 3, 2019
mugGet the a work in progress mug.

811 in progress

A way for a guy to discretely announce that he has a hard on without everyone hearing.
Tom:Did you see that girl
Dave:Hell ya i got a 811 in progress
by 6th flo boys November 19, 2009
mugGet the 811 in progress mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email