piecemeal

1 of 2

adverb

piece·​meal ˈpēs-ˌmēl 

-ˈmēl

1

: one piece at a time : gradually

2

: in pieces or fragments : apart

piecemeal

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in a fragmentary way

piecemeal reforms in the system

Synonyms

Adverb

• gradationally
• gradually
• inchmeal
• little by little
• piece by piece

Adjective

• gradational
• gradual
• incremental
• phased
• step-by-step

Examples of piecemeal in a Sentence

Adverb

remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints

one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal

Adjective

They've done piecemeal repairs in the past, but the bridge now needs major reconstruction.

Some people want the changes to be made all at once, but I think we should take a more piecemeal approach.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

In the ’90s, Marvel sold movie rights to its characters piecemeal in an attempt to inject some cash into its flailing comics business. —Barry Levitt, Vulture, 25 July 2024

Still, Apple’s efforts seem piecemeal next to those of Samsung. —Andrew Williams, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024

Adjective

As Jim Cramer has posited, some Wall Street analysts also think that the piecemeal release of Apple Intelligence can work to the company’s advantage. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

You’re allowed to do small, piecemeal, mini-series, limited, but you’re not allowed to commit to anything which has risk of going on. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

piecemeal

1 of 2 adverb

piece·​meal ˈpē-ˌsmēl 

1

: one piece at a time : gradually

2

: in pieces : apart

piecemeal

2 of 2 adjective

: done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in an incomplete way

piecemeal reforms