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infrastructure

IN-fruh-struk-cher /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLGRE

formalpoliticalbusiness

The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

Often refers to the 'unseen' systems that allow everything else to function.

The story behind the word. Combining 'infra' (below) and 'structure'. It literally means the 'structure below'. Think of the pipes under the street or the cables under the floor.

Word relationships

framework: Framework is more conceptual; infrastructure is usually physical and large-scale.
foundation: Foundation is the base of a single structure; infrastructure is the base of a whole system.

superstructure: The parts of a building or system that are built on top of the foundation.

Commonly confused with

structure: A structure is any single built object; infrastructure is the network of structures.

Word family

infrastructural (adjective): Relating to infrastructure.

Collocations

critical infrastructure
digital infrastructure
aging infrastructure
infrastructure project

Example sentences

"Infrastructure is the glue that holds our economy together and the platform upon which our businesses compete." A political speech regarding national development.

Memory hook

Infra (below) + Structure. The structure that sits below the surface of society. Infrastructure = Under-structure.

When not to use

Don't use for the interior decoration of a building; use 'fittings' or 'interior'.

Fun facts

The word 'infrastructure' only entered common English usage in the 1920s, originally referring specifically to military installations.