# sectoral

/ˈsɛktɝəɫ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sectoral
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Antonyms

general, overall

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.