piecemeal
Done in gradual stages rather than all at once
Examples
In a meeting
“We're taking a piecemeal approach to the system upgrade to minimize disruption.”
Over coffee
“I've been cleaning the garage piecemeal whenever I have time.”
Why this word
gradual
Piecemeal emphasizes fragmented, unsystematic bits at different times, while gradual suggests steady progressive steps
incremental
Piecemeal suggests disconnected pieces without overall plan, while incremental implies planned sequential additions
partial
Piecemeal describes the fragmented manner of doing something, while partial just means incomplete or in part
Usage tip
Use to describe incremental, fragmented approaches versus comprehensive solutions
Etymology
Middle English: piece + meal (measure, portion)
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Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
preliminary
Coming before and preparing for the main part or event; initial.
replicate
Make an exact copy or repeat a process identically