# Progressive Enhancement

*noun*

say it: **“pruh-GRES-iv en-HANS-ment”** **/prəˈɡrɛsɪv ɪnˈhænsmənt/**

Building a page that works with plain HTML first, then making it better with JavaScript.

## What is **Progressive Enhancement**?

**Progressive Enhancement** — Building a page that works with plain HTML first, so a form still posts and a link still loads, then adding JavaScript to make it smoother, such as updating part of the page without a reload. If the script fails, the page still works.

## In a sentence

- “With **progressive enhancement**, the search form still works when JavaScript fails.”

Level: Journeyman · [More Web Development terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=web-development&level=3)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/progressive-enhancement