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Piecemeal: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”จ
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piecemeal

 

[ หˆpiหsmiหl ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in segments

Piecemeal refers to a method of doing something gradually or piece by piece rather than all at once. It is often used to describe a process that lacks a cohesive or organized approach, resulting in a fragmented outcome. This term can apply to various contexts, such as project management, writing, or problem-solving. When something is done piecemeal, it may take longer to complete, and the end result might lack continuity. The term highlights a step-by-step progression rather than a holistic execution.

Synonyms

fragmentarily, gradually, incrementally

Examples of usage

  • She completed the project piecemeal over several months.
  • The changes were implemented piecemeal, causing confusion.
  • We are updating the system piecemeal to minimize disruptions.
Context #2 | Adjective

disjointed methodology

When used as an adjective, piecemeal describes a situation or approach that is disjointed and lacking in unity or coherence. This speaks to the unfinished or incomplete nature of the efforts being made, suggesting that something essential may be missing. In terms of policy or strategy, a piecemeal approach can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for integration.

Synonyms

fragmented, scattered, uncoordinated

Examples of usage

  • The piecemeal approach to policy reform has been criticized.
  • Her piecemeal analysis overlooked important interactions.
  • The piecemeal development strategy failed to address the broader issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "piecemeal" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น por partes

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅเค•เคกเคผเฅ‹เค‚ เคฎเฅ‡เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช stรผckweise

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ secara bertahap

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพ ั‡ะฐัั‚ะธะฝะฐั…

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ po kawaล‚ku

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ƒจๅˆ†็š„ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท par morceaux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ por partes

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท parรงa parรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€๋ถ„์ ์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุฒุกูŠุงู‹

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ po ฤรกstech

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ po ฤastiach

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€ๆญฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ po delih

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รญ skrefum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑำฉะปั–ะบั‚ะตั€ะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒแƒฌแƒ˜แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก แƒ›แƒ˜แƒฎแƒ”แƒ“แƒ•แƒ˜แƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hissษ™-hissษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ poco a poco

Etymology

The term 'piecemeal' originates from the Middle English word 'piecemeale,' which combines 'piece' and the adverbial suffix '-meal' meaning 'by the meal' or 'by the portion.' The word 'piece' comes from the Old French 'piece,' meaning a part or fragment, which can be traced back further to Latin 'pax, pacis,' denoting a peace or pact. The evolution of 'piecemeal' reflects a gradual shift from meaning 'by portions' to its modern usage, which conveys the idea of doing something in a disjointed or incomplete manner. Its use in English literature can be found as early as the 15th century, and it has since evolved into a term widely used in various contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,029, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.