piecemeal

Definitions

Characterized by unsystematic partial measures taken over a period of time.

Done or made in pieces or stages; gradual.

Examples

The city council decided to address the traffic congestion in a piecemeal fashion rather than implementing a comprehensive plan.

He has been restoring the antique car piecemeal, buying one part at a time whenever he can afford it.

Synonyms

gradual bit by bit incremental fragmentary intermittent step by step patchy

Antonyms

complete all at once thorough systematic wholesale continuous integrated