gradual

Compared meaning: done slowly or in separate parts (adjective).

比较义项：逐渐地／零碎地进行（不是一次性完成）（形容词）。

• gradual 本词

  Emphasizes slow, steady, continuous change over a period of time, usually smooth and predictable, with no sense of separate disconnected stages.

  强调随时间缓慢、稳定、持续地变化，通常平稳且可预期，不带有分成零散阶段的意味。

  Her English improved gradually as she practiced a little every day.

  她每天练习一点，英语水平逐渐提高了。

• piecemeal

  Emphasizes doing something in separate, disconnected parts rather than as one coordinated whole, often implying a lack of overall plan; can sound mildly critical.

  强调以零散、不连贯的部分进行，而不是作为一个协调统一的整体，常暗示缺乏整体规划，语气可能略带批评意味。

  The company made its changes in a piecemeal way, which left staff confused.

  这家公司的变革零零散散地进行，让员工感到困惑。

Gradual and piecemeal both describe change or action that does not happen all at once. Gradual emphasizes a slow, steady, continuous process. Piecemeal emphasizes separate, disconnected parts without an overall plan, and can sound slightly critical. Common phrases differ too: 'gradual increase' but 'piecemeal approach'.

这两个词都可形容“不是一次性完成”的变化或做法，但侧重点不同：gradual 强调过程缓慢、平稳、持续；piecemeal 强调分成零散的部分、缺乏统一规划，语气有时略带批评意味。常见搭配也不同，如 gradual increase／change 与 piecemeal approach／reform。