Words / C1

INFR-uh-strukch-uh/ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/

Infrastructure is the underlying systems a society or organisation needs in order to function: transport, energy, water, digital networks. Native policy writing treats it as a mass of systems, not one building. Facilities are individual buildings or services; utilities are often power and water companies. Infrastructural is a rarer adjective.

Meaning

The basic systems a society needs, such as roads, power, and internet.

Examples

• “Poor infrastructure slows the economy.”
• “Without digital infrastructure, remote exams collapse.”
• “Investment in rail infrastructure lagged behind housing growth.”

Good to know

infrastructure = basic systems (often uncountable). narrower: facilities / utilities.

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