piecemeal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'piecemeal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something (such as a plan or task) that is done gradually, bit by bit, rather than all at once. For example: "We implemented the new policy piecemeal, by introducing different measures over a period of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However critics say the "piecemeal" policy is ineffective on its own, and called for consistent application of other measures instead, including a return of the banned drinkers register and the continuation of temporary beat locations (TBLs), where police question customers.

The Guardian

McPhearson said he was not discouraged by the slow and piecemeal progress, legislatively or otherwise, that's been made in the years since Martin's death.

The Guardian

Luciana Berger, shadow minister for public health, said: "The scale of the challenge we are facing is too great to rely solely on a non-binding and piecemeal deal with a select group of companies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead developments will be entirely private, sold off piecemeal to the highest bidder.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are areas that currently receive piecemeal and inconsistent services, with poor results and where, without the right interventions, the cost to the public purse in future will be significant.

The Guardian

It is time for Wales to end its spectator status and make sure that our demands are articulated clearly so that we get the powers we need instead of the piecemeal devolution we've been subjected to.

The Guardian - Opinion

With both the Tories and Labour increasingly attracted to minority government rather than coalition, we may be about to embark on a period of piecemeal wheeling and dealing more reminiscent of the 1970s than of the relative stability of the past five years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Modern architecture in the west is so piecemeal in comparison – a mixture of individual buildings with no obvious relationship to each other, or uninspired housing districts for the poor.

The Guardian

Australia's policy towards asylum seekers was a "piecemeal and incomplete policy response, aspects of which are driven more by political considerations than any desire to find a sustainable and humane approach".

The Guardian

Smith said the nuns who ran the homes in Derry had provided only "haphazard and piecemeal" evidence to the inquiry thus far.

The Guardian

"I think the reason why you end up in a situation where the industry tries to implement piecemeal approaches like this is because there's a vacuum created by the government withdrawing the photo licensing system at the point of sale across Darwin".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that is intentionally broken down into smaller, manageable steps, use "piecemeal" to accurately convey the fragmented yet progressive nature of the approach.

Common error

Avoid using "piecemeal" when you simply mean something is unfinished or lacking. "Piecemeal" implies a deliberate, staged approach, not just a state of being incomplete. Ensure you are referring to something that has been divided into pieces or stages.

Linguistic Context

The word "piecemeal" functions primarily as an adjective and adverb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes actions or processes completed gradually, bit by bit. Examples show it modifying nouns like "policy", "progress", and "solutions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "piecemeal" is a versatile term used to describe actions or processes carried out gradually or in stages. As an adjective and adverb, it signifies fragmentation and incremental progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common appearance across diverse contexts. While "piecemeal" is generally considered neutral in tone, be mindful of the potential negative connotation implying a lack of a cohesive strategy. Its frequent use in news and media highlights its relevance in describing policies, reforms, and developments that unfold in a fragmented manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bit by bit

Focuses on the incremental nature of progress, similar to "piecemeal" but emphasizes smaller increments.

step by step

Highlights the methodical and sequential progression, akin to "piecemeal" but stresses the ordered approach.

in stages

Emphasizes the phased approach to a task, mirroring "piecemeal" but with a clearer indication of defined steps.

in increments

Focuses on progress happening in distinct, measurable portions, much like "piecemeal" but with a focus on quantifiable units.

gradually

Stresses the slow and progressive nature, aligning with "piecemeal" but without necessarily implying fragmentation.

progressively

Similar to gradually, but it emphasizes continuous advancement, whereas "piecemeal" suggests broken or individual pieces.

in fits and starts

Suggests an irregular or inconsistent advancement, unlike the more uniform implication of "piecemeal".

fragmentarily

Emphasizes the broken or incomplete nature of the action, similar to the literal sense of "piecemeal".

in a disjointed manner

Highlights the lack of coherence or connection between the parts, deviating slightly from the neutral connotation of "piecemeal".

by degrees

Stresses the subtle and incremental changes over time, like "piecemeal" but suggests a very slow pace.

FAQs

How can I use "piecemeal" in a sentence?

You can use "piecemeal" to describe something done in stages or small increments, like: "The reforms were implemented in a "piecemeal" fashion."

What's the difference between "piecemeal" and "gradual"?

"Piecemeal" suggests something is done in separate pieces or steps, while "gradual" implies a slow, continuous process. They are similar, but "piecemeal" emphasizes fragmentation more.

What can I say instead of "piecemeal"?

Alternatives include "bit by bit", "step by step", or "in stages", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "piecemeal" as a verb?

While less common, "piecemeal" can be used as a verb meaning to divide or distribute something bit by bit. For example, "They "piecemealed" the project's budget."