What does sectoral mean?
Sectoral is an adjective describing something that relates to a particular sector, section, or division of a larger whole. Its most frequent use is in economic and employment contexts, as in sectoral employment, sectoral policy, or sectoral growth, where it refers to patterns or policies that differ between industries or parts of the economy. The word can also describe a division into parts or a feature that varies according to region or activity. Its implication is usually that a general issue may need different treatment in different sections. In this way, sectoral is useful for discussing how one policy, trend, or condition affects areas of society unevenly. Although sectional and segmental can overlap in meaning, sectoral is particularly established in discussions of the economy, business, employment, and public policy.
adjectiveRelating to a sector or sectors, especially a sector of the economy or of society. It may also refer to something characterized by division into distinct parts or regions.
- Relating to a sector or division, especially an economic sector.
- Consisting of or involving distinct sections or regions.
- Relating to a particular group or branch within a larger organization or field.
"The government introduced sectoral measures to support small businesses during the downturn."
"Sectoral employment rose in manufacturing while falling in agriculture."
"The report identifies sectoral differences in access to healthcare."
From one everyday meaning of sectoral comes the idea that a problem can have different solutions for different parts of the whole.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sectoral come from?
Sectoral was formed in the early 19th century from sector, with the suffix -al meaning “pertaining to.” Sector itself comes through French from the Latin sector, a “cutter” or “one who cuts,” ultimately from secare, “to cut.” The Latin root also underlies section and sectional, which developed through related words sharing the idea of dividing or separating something into parts.
Related word forms
How sectoral is actually used
Sectoral is most common in economic, political, and social contexts. It is typically more formal than general alternatives such as sectional and should not be confused with the less common sectorial.
Easily confused with sectoral
Sectoral is the common adjective for relating to a division of the economy or society, while sectorial is more often used in specialized contexts and can relate to a sector or to sectoral growth.