What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
piecemeal
Example
The project was completed piecemeal over several months. [piecemeal: adverb]
Example
The company's expansion plan was implemented piecemeal, with each department working independently. [piecemeal: adjective]
partial
Example
The report was only partial and did not include all the necessary information. [partial: adjective]
Example
She had a partial view of the stage from her seat. [partial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Partial is more commonly used than piecemeal in everyday language. Partial is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while piecemeal is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between piecemeal and partial?
Both piecemeal and partial are relatively informal words, but partial can be used in more formal contexts when describing incomplete information or biased viewpoints.
