'progressively-torn' is a compound word formed from 'progressively' and 'torn'. 'Progressively' originates from the Latin word 'progressus', meaning 'to go forward', and 'torn' is the past participle of 'tear', which comes from the Old English 'teran', meaning 'to rend or lacerate'.

'Progressively' evolved from the Latin 'progressus' through Middle English, while 'torn' evolved from the Old English 'teran'.

Initially, 'progressively' meant 'to advance', and 'torn' meant 'to rend'. Together, they describe a gradual tearing process.