infrastructure
Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities, such as buildings, roads, power supplies, and internet networks, needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. It acts as the underlying foundation that allows a city or company to function efficiently.
Examples
3 of 5The city's transport infrastructure, including buses and trains, makes commuting very easy.
The city's system of roads and public transport makes traveling to work simple.
The government is seeking international loans to modernize the nation's aging infrastructure.
The state is looking for funds to update the country's old physical systems like roads and bridges.
Our neighborhood infrastructure is pretty bad; the roads are full of potholes.
The local roads and facilities in our area are in poor condition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the prefix 'infra-' which means 'below' (like infrared). Infrastructure is the structure that lies 'below' or 'behind' the scenes of a functioning city.
Quick Quiz
The government announced a multi-billion dollar plan to repair the country's crumbling _____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: infrastructure
Examples
The city's transport infrastructure, including buses and trains, makes commuting very easy.
everydayThe city's system of roads and public transport makes traveling to work simple.
The government is seeking international loans to modernize the nation's aging infrastructure.
formalThe state is looking for funds to update the country's old physical systems like roads and bridges.
Our neighborhood infrastructure is pretty bad; the roads are full of potholes.
informalThe local roads and facilities in our area are in poor condition.
The study analyzes how digital infrastructure impacts economic development in rural areas.
academicThe research looks at how internet and communication systems affect growth in the countryside.
We need to invest in our internal IT infrastructure to support the new remote work policy.
businessWe must improve our company's computer systems to allow staff to work from home.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
invest in infrastructure
to spend money on building or improving basic systems
social infrastructure
facilities like hospitals and schools that support the community
physical infrastructure
the actual tangible structures like roads and pipes
Often Confused With
Architecture refers to the design and style of individual buildings, while infrastructure refers to the broad systems connecting them.
Logistics is the management of moving goods or people; infrastructure is the physical system (roads, tracks) they move on.
Usage Notes
The word is most commonly used in political, economic, or technical discussions. While it often refers to physical things like bridges, it is increasingly used to describe invisible systems like cloud computing or software frameworks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that 'infrastructure' can be used as an uncountable noun to mean the general concept, though 'infrastructures' is used when referring to different types or systems specifically. Don't confuse it with just 'buildings'.
Memory Tip
Look at the prefix 'infra-' which means 'below' (like infrared). Infrastructure is the structure that lies 'below' or 'behind' the scenes of a functioning city.
Word Origin
From the French word 'infrastructure', combining the Latin 'infra' (below) and 'structura' (a fitting together or building).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western countries, 'infrastructure' is a major political talking point regarding taxes, job creation, and national modernization.
Quick Quiz
The government announced a multi-billion dollar plan to repair the country's crumbling _____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: infrastructure
Related Vocabulary
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legitimate
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