piecemeal
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpiːsmiːl/
KK: /ˈpiːsˌmiːl/
adjective
Definition
Done in separate parts rather than all at once, often leading to incomplete or uneven results.
Example
The project was completed in a piecemeal fashion, with different sections finished at different times.
Conversation
I heard you’ve been working on that project for a while now.
Yeah, it's been a bit piecemeal, but I'm getting there.
I can imagine that must be frustrating at times.
It is, but I'm learning to appreciate the progress I make each day.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fragmentary
gradual
incomplete
Antonyms
whole
complete
unified
adverb
Definition
In small parts or stages rather than all at once.
Example
The project was completed piecemeal over several months.
Conversation
Are you still working on that project?
Yeah, I’m doing it piecemeal to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
That sounds like a smart approach.
Root Explanation
Piecemeal is formed from "piece" (from Old French *piece*, meaning a part or fragment) and "meal" (from Old English *mǣl*, meaning a measure or time). The word describes something done in parts or stages rather than all at once.
Memory Tip
Think of taking something apart into 'pieces' and doing it 'a little at a time' — that's what piecemeal means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.