infrastructure
gb/ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/ us/ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
B2
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
Basic systems and structures
The main buildings, roads, and systems that a country or city needs to work well.
Usage pattern:
[something] is part of the infrastructure
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'infrastructure' with 'buildings' only, but it also includes systems like roads, power, and communication.
Synonyms
framework (Often refers to an abstract supporting structure, not necessarily physical systems.)
|
facilities (Focuses more on specific buildings or amenities rather than the whole system.)
Antonyms
superstructure (In technical contexts, refers to structures built on top of the base infrastructure.)
Collocations
transport infrastructure
|critical infrastructure
|public infrastructure
|infrastructure development
|infrastructure investment
Themes
government
|urban planning
|transportation
|economics
|technology
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The government is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure.
- A strong digital infrastructure is essential for modern businesses.
- The city's aging infrastructure needs urgent repair.
- Improved infrastructure can boost economic growth.
- The storm damaged much of the coastal infrastructure.
Learner examples
- The city has new roads and bridges in its infrastructure.
- Good infrastructure helps people travel easily.
- The town's water system is part of its infrastructure.
- They are building better internet infrastructure.
- The airport is an important part of the country's infrastructure.
Grammar
Dictionary form
infrastructure
IPA
GB/ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
US/ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
Syllables & stress
in - fra - struc - ture (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (struc)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: infrastructure
- Plural: infrastructure, infrastructures
Word family
Forms
infrastructures
noun
Related words
Expressions
critical infrastructure
1/kɹˈɪtɪkəl ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Essential societal systems
Important systems like electricity, water, and transport that a country needs to be safe and work well.
Examples
- Cyberattacks can threaten a nation's critical infrastructure.
- Protecting critical infrastructure is a top priority for the government.
infrastructure development
1/ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ dɪvˈɛləpmənt/
fixed phrase
Building basic facilities
The work of making or improving roads, buildings, and other important systems.
Examples
- The region's economic growth depends on infrastructure development.
- Infrastructure development projects often create many jobs.
transport infrastructure
1/tɹˈænspɔɹt ˌɪnfɹəstɹˈʌkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Systems for travel and transport
Roads, railways, airports, and other ways people and goods move in a place.
Examples
- The city is investing in new transport infrastructure to reduce traffic jams.
- Good transport infrastructure connects rural areas to cities.