Word
sectoral
Phoneticssec·toral
/ˈsɛktɝəɫ/
Definition
adj. relating to one part of business or public life, like farming or banking. You use it when you talk about that part alone, not the whole economy.
adj. Relating to or affecting a distinct economic, industrial, or administrative sector rather than the economy or system as a whole. Often specified by domain, as in sectoral differences or sectoral policy.
Examples
“The report shows sectoral growth in farming and tourism.”
“The government introduced sectoral rules to support manufacturing without changing policy for other industries.”
“Recent sectoral shifts toward services and technology have reshaped employment, forcing old industrial regions to fund retraining.”
Examples
simple
“The report shows sectoral growth in farming and tourism.”
contextual
“The government introduced sectoral rules to support manufacturing without changing policy for other industries.”
complex
“Recent sectoral shifts toward services and technology have reshaped employment, forcing old industrial regions to fund retraining.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sectoral” in context.
Verb
01. keep sectoral
“Unions want to keep bargaining sectoral rather than firm-based.”
verb + adj
02. remain sectoral
“Negotiations are expected to remain sectoral for the time being.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. broadly sectoral
“The reforms were broadly sectoral rather than economy-wide.”
adv + adj
04. purely sectoral
“The dispute was purely sectoral, affecting only construction workers.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. sectoral agreement
“The unions signed a sectoral agreement covering textile workers.”
adj + noun
06. sectoral analysis
“The study provides a detailed sectoral analysis of recovery.”
adj + noun
07. sectoral approach
“Ministers favour a sectoral approach to skills training.”
adj + noun
08. adopt a sectoral approach
“The government adopted a sectoral approach to industrial reform.”
09. conduct a sectoral analysis
“Analysts conducted a sectoral analysis of post-pandemic growth.”
10. impose sectoral sanctions
“The council agreed to impose sectoral sanctions targeting steel exports.”
11. on a sectoral basis
“Wages are still negotiated on a sectoral basis in many industries.”
12. reach a sectoral agreement
“Employers and unions reached a sectoral agreement on minimum pay.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“The Royal Bank of Canada estimates that Ontario and Quebec are the most impacted by US sectoral tariffs, while Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island are the least exposed.” “Britain has taken a “pro-innovation”, sector-led approach since releasing its policy paper in March 2023, empowering sectoral regulators to police AI rather than passing standalone legislation.” “He will reportedly reduce the 50% sectoral tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, and 25% tariff on autos, Trump imposed in June 2025 under section 232 of the U.S.” Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sectoral