C1 noun Neutral

sector

/ˈsektə(r)/

A distinct part or branch of a nation's economy or a particular area of activity, such as the private or public sector. It is commonly used in social sciences and business to categorize different types of industries or societal functions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I'm looking for a job in the technology sector because I enjoy innovation.

I'm looking for a job in the technology sector because I enjoy innovation.

2

The finance sector must adhere to stringent international regulations to maintain stability.

The finance sector must adhere to stringent international regulations to maintain stability.

3

The retail sector is really feeling the pinch with everyone shopping online now.

The retail sector is really feeling the pinch with everyone shopping online now.

Word Family

Noun
sector
Verb
sectionalize
Adverb
sectorally
Adjective
sectoral
Related
section
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Memory Tip

Think of a pie chart. Each slice of the pie is a 'sector' representing a part of the whole economy.

Quick Quiz

The government is implementing new policies to boost growth in the renewable energy _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: sector

Examples

1

I'm looking for a job in the technology sector because I enjoy innovation.

everyday

I'm looking for a job in the technology sector because I enjoy innovation.

2

The finance sector must adhere to stringent international regulations to maintain stability.

formal

The finance sector must adhere to stringent international regulations to maintain stability.

3

The retail sector is really feeling the pinch with everyone shopping online now.

informal

The retail sector is really feeling the pinch with everyone shopping online now.

4

Academic research indicates that the agricultural sector remains the primary employer in developing nations.

academic

Academic research indicates that the agricultural sector remains the primary employer in developing nations.

5

Our firm is aiming to expand its market share within the manufacturing sector this quarter.

business

Our firm is aiming to expand its market share within the manufacturing sector this quarter.

Word Family

Noun
sector
Verb
sectionalize
Adverb
sectorally
Adjective
sectoral
Related
section

Common Collocations

public sector public sector
private sector private sector
service sector service sector
manufacturing sector manufacturing sector
financial sector financial sector

Common Phrases

the third sector

the third sector (referring to non-profits and charities)

cross-sector collaboration

cross-sector collaboration

sector-wide initiative

sector-wide initiative

Often Confused With

sector vs section

A 'section' is a physical part of an object or text, while a 'sector' is a large-scale division of society or the economy.

sector vs segment

While similar, 'segment' is often used for market portions or geometric parts, whereas 'sector' is the standard term for economic divisions.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is most frequently used with a modifying noun (e.g., 'energy sector') or an adjective (e.g., 'industrial sector'). It usually implies a high-level classification within an economy.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'section' when they should use 'sector' to describe parts of the economy, for example, saying 'the education section' instead of 'the education sector'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a pie chart. Each slice of the pie is a 'sector' representing a part of the whole economy.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'sectus', meaning 'cut' or 'divided', sharing a root with words like 'section' and 'dissect'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Can be used as an attributive noun (sector-wide) Often preceded by 'the'
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Cultural Context

In many developed nations, the 'third sector' is a culturally significant term referring to the voluntary and non-profit organization landscape.

Quick Quiz

The government is implementing new policies to boost growth in the renewable energy _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: sector

Related Words

comagnment

C1

Describes a state of shared administrative authority or joint management over a specific project, resource, or asset. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts to characterize agreements where oversight is distributed among multiple parties.

semiferous

C1

Describing a plant, organ, or biological structure that produces, bears, or carries seeds. It is a technical term used to categorize species or parts based on their reproductive capacity to generate seeds.

inmissery

C1

A formal noun describing the state of being profoundly engulfed in or trapped by extreme distress, sorrow, or wretchedness. It emphasizes the internal and seemingly inescapable nature of one's suffering within a specific situation.

anfractty

C1

To follow a winding, circuitous, or indirect course; to move in a way that involves many twists and turns. Figuratively, it refers to the act of complicating a process or narrative with unnecessary details or indirect logic.

syngestable

C1

A syngestable is a specialized synthetic substance or component designed to be integrated and processed seamlessly within a biological or chemical system. It is used in advanced pharmacology to describe a material that acts as a carrier and is completely absorbed by the host environment.

ansimilent

C1

An adjective describing the capacity or tendency of a system, organism, or culture to absorb, integrate, and incorporate external elements into its own structure. It characterizes a process where new information or substances are transformed to become similar to the existing entity.

monofigist

C1

To portray or interpret a complex situation, narrative, or system by focusing exclusively on a single central figure or symbol. It involves the reduction of a multifaceted context into a singular figurative representation for the sake of simplified analysis or artistic emphasis.

obcapible

C1

Describing something that is easily perceived, understood, or grasped by the mind or senses. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote clarity and discernibility.

anprobery

C1

Relating to the act of probing or testing, typically used to describe an investigative or experimental approach to solving a problem. It characterizes a stage where evidence is sought or theories are tentatively explored before a final conclusion is reached.

semisanctship

C1

To accord a status of partial holiness or semi-sacred reverence to a person, object, or idea. It describes the act of treating something with significant respect and religious-like devotion without claiming it is fully divine.

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