piecemeal

American  

[pees-meel] / ˈpisˌmil /

adverb

1. piece by piece; one piece at a time; gradually.

   to work piecemeal.

2. into pieces or fragments.

   to tear a letter piecemeal.

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adjective

1. done piecemeal.

piecemeal British  

/ ˈpiːsˌmiːl /

adverb

1. by degrees; bit by bit; gradually

2. in or into pieces or piece from piece

   to tear something piecemeal

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adjective

1. fragmentary or unsystematic

   a piecemeal approach

Etymology

Origin of piecemeal

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English pecemele; replacing Old English styccemǣlum, piece, -meal

Example Sentences

However, they said the Games are "not better served by piecemeal proposals" such as the inclusion of summer disciplines.

From BBC

By approaching economic reform in a piecemeal and tentative way, India has failed to keep pace with China’s rapid economic, military and technological modernization.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Gaza and in Israel, joy and relief at the step toward peace—however piecemeal and fragile—burst out into the open.

From The Wall Street Journal

No piecemeal agreements, no more fighting, no more hostages, and start rebuilding Gaza.

From The Wall Street Journal

Federal employees are fired en masse, and then begrudgingly rehired piecemeal under court order.

From Salon

Related Words

• gradual