What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
piecemeal
Example
The company implemented the new policy piecemeal, starting with one department at a time. [piecemeal: adverb]
Example
The project was completed piecemeal, with each team member working on their assigned task. [piecemeal: adjective]
fragmentary
Example
The historian had to rely on fragmentary evidence to reconstruct the ancient civilization. [fragmentary: adjective]
Example
The report contained only fragmentary information about the incident. [fragmentary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fragmentary is less common than piecemeal in everyday language. Piecemeal is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fragmentary is more specific and often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between piecemeal and fragmentary?
Both piecemeal and fragmentary are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical writing. However, piecemeal can also be used in informal contexts to describe a process or action that is done gradually or in stages.
