Slow progress in uprising repels resistance (9)

I believe the answer is:

evolution

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'slow progress' is the definition.
'evolution' can be an answer for 'progress' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'slow' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for evolution that I've seen before include "Gradual change" , "Development - progress" , "Darwinian theory" , "Gradual development" , "Slow change" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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