What does "infrastructure" mean?

1. (public systems and services) the basic systems a country needs, like roads, bridges, water pipes, and electricity. 2. (internal foundation) the internal parts or foundation of a system or organization.

How do you use "infrastructure"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general system of a country. Can be used countably to refer to specific technical or organizational setups.

infrastructure

US //ˌɪnfɹəˈstɹəktʃɝ// UK //ˈɪnfɹəstɹˌʌktʃɐ// in·fra·struc·ture

1 public systems and services (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

the basic systems a country needs, like roads, bridges, water pipes, and electricity.

the physical and organisational facilities, such as transport and communication networks, necessary for the functioning of a society.

Example

The government is spending more money to repair the city's aging infrastructure.

Example

Significant investment in public infrastructure, particularly high-speed rail and digital connectivity, is essential for long-term economic growth in the region.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general system of a country.
2 internal foundation (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

the internal parts or foundation of a system or organization.

the underlying base or framework of a system, organization, or building.

Example

The company needs to improve its IT infrastructure before it can hire more staff.

Example

The existing corporate infrastructure proved inadequate for the rapid scaling required by the new international merger.

Usage

Can be used countably to refer to specific technical or organizational setups.

Origin

Borrowed from French infrastructure, equivalent to infra- + structure.