infrastructure
/ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The basic systems and services that a country, city, or organization needs to work well. This includes roads, power, water, internet, and public transport.
- The city needs better infrastructure.
- Poor infrastructure slows business growth.
- The government invested in digital infrastructure.
Adinary Nuance
Infrastructure is broader than roads or buildings alone. It means the full support system that lets a place or group function. Use it when you mean the hidden base behind daily life, not just one part like a road or bridge. If you say "facilities," you usually mean the visible places or equipment.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Cơ sở hạ tầng
- Spanish
- Infraestructura
- Chinese
- 基础设施
- Japanese
- インフラ
- Korean
- 인프라
Etymology
The word came into English in the 1800s from French and Latin roots. It was first used for the basic structure under a building, then later for public systems.
Common phrases
critical infrastructuredigital infrastructureinfrastructure developmentpublic infrastructure
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is infrastructure a countable noun?
- Usually no. We often use it as an uncountable noun: "The infrastructure is weak."
- What is the difference between infrastructure and facilities?
- Infrastructure is the basic system behind a place. Facilities are the buildings, rooms, or equipment people use.
- Is infrastructure used in business writing?
- Yes. It is common in business, government, and academic writing.
- Can infrastructure mean only roads?
- No. It can include roads, power, water, internet, and other support systems.