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

• gradually
• bit by bit

Adjective

• gradual

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

Both studios had fantastic teams, huge worldwide distribution, so no need to sell the movie piecemeal, country by country. —Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025

Huckleberry Hound and his costars on the Hanna-Barbera series have never really disappeared — their adventures have been airing piecemeal off and on for decades — but their shows haven’t been available in their original form in over 60 years. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2025

Adjective

In the company’s view, such piecemeal offerings can no longer stand. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025

Prior to the scientific method, meeting challenges to new technology was piecemeal. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for piecemeal

• afebrile
• bookmobile
• cochineal
• nonideal
• peroneal
• philomel
• popliteal
• snowmobile
• waterwheel
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal

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