Infrastructure: meaning, definitions and examples

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infrastructure

[ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

urban planning

The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise

Synonyms

facilities, public works, utilities.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
infrastructure	Use this term when referring to the basic physical systems and structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, including transportation, communication, sewage, water, and electric systems. The government's new plan focuses on improving the country's infrastructure. Modern infrastructure is crucial for economic development.
facilities	This word is best suited for referring to buildings, services, or equipment provided for a specific purpose, such as schools, hospitals, or recreation centers. The community center offers a range of facilities for local residents. The new sports complex has excellent training facilities.
public works	This term is often used for projects or services carried out by the government for the benefit of the community, especially pertaining to infrastructure and public facilities. The city announced a series of public works to improve road conditions. Public works projects like bridges and highways are essential for urban development.
utilities	Utilities refer to essential services provided to the public, including water, electricity, gas, and sewage systems. The utility company is responsible for maintaining the electrical grid. Residents were complaining about high utility bills.

Examples of usage

Investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic development
The city's infrastructure was severely damaged during the storm

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

The physical components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to enable, sustain, or enhance societal living conditions

Synonyms

framework, network, system.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
infrastructure	Used when talking about the fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area, including transportation, communication, and power systems. The government is investing in infrastructure to improve roads and bridges. A strong IT infrastructure is essential for any modern business.
network	Utilized when referring to a group or system of interconnected people, things, or computers, commonly used in social, technological, or communication contexts. She has a strong professional network that helps her find job opportunities. The company is upgrading its computer network to improve performance.
system	Used to denote a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, commonly applied to organizations, technology, and processes. The new filing system will make it easier to manage documents. Scientists are studying the solar system to understand more about outer space.
framework	Appropriate when discussing a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text, often used in academic, theoretical, or programming contexts. The new education policy will provide a framework for curriculum development. We are building the application using a robust web framework.

Examples of usage

Digital infrastructure has become increasingly important in the modern world
The company invested in upgrading its IT infrastructure

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the French term 'infrastructure,' meaning 'under-building,' which hints at its foundational role.
It first entered the English language in the early 20th century, primarily used in engineering and urban planning contexts.
The prefix 'infra-' means 'below' or 'beneath,' emphasizing that these systems often lie out of sight, under our feet.

History

The concept has been vital since ancient civilizations; the Romans built extensive road networks that are still in use today.
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to a rapid development of infrastructure to support growing cities and industries.
The New Deal in the 1930s included major infrastructure projects like bridges and dams to boost the economy during the Great Depression.

Pop Culture

Infrastructure is often a theme in dystopian narratives, highlighting its breakdown as a sign of societal collapse.
Movies like 'The Day After Tomorrow' and 'San Andreas' depict the catastrophic impacts of failing infrastructure during disasters.
Video games like 'SimCity' and 'Cities: Skylines' let players build and manage virtual infrastructures, teaching about balance and development.

Science

Sustainable infrastructure focuses on minimizing environmental impact, promoting green materials, energy efficiency, and resilience.
Smart infrastructure integrates technology, enabling real-time data collection and management for improved urban planning.
Climate change poses challenges for infrastructure, as designers must consider rising sea levels and extreme weather events in future projects.

Economics

Investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth, as it creates jobs and enhances productivity by improving transportation.
Developing countries often face significant infrastructure gaps, limiting their economic potential compared to developed nations.
Public-private partnerships are increasingly used to finance infrastructure projects, blending public benefit with private investment.

Translations

Translations of the word "infrastructure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infraestrutura

🇮🇳 अवसंरचना

🇩🇪 Infrastruktur

🇮🇩 infrastruktur

🇺🇦 інфраструктура

🇵🇱 infrastruktura

🇯🇵 インフラストラクチャー

🇫🇷 infrastructure

🇪🇸 infraestructura

🇹🇷 altyapı

🇰🇷 인프라

🇸🇦 بنية تحتية

🇨🇿 infrastruktura

🇸🇰 infraštruktúra

🇨🇳 基础设施

🇸🇮 infrastruktura

🇮🇸 innviðir

🇰🇿 инфрақұрылым

🇬🇪 ინფრასტრუქტურა

🇦🇿 infrastruktur

🇲🇽 infraestructura

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,589, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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