piece·meal 
/ˈpi:sˈmi:l/ adjective
/ˈpi:sˈmi:l/ adjective [more piecemeal; most piecemeal] : done or made in a gradual way in a series of separate steps
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
— piecemeal adverb
▪ Our parents started selling off the family farm piecemeal [=gradually, piece by piece] several years ago, and now there are only five acres left.
▪ Our parents started selling off the family farm piecemeal [=gradually, piece by piece] several years ago, and now there are only five acres left.
