adjective C1 Advanced Common

structural

STRUHK-shuh-ruhl

Structural (adjective) means relating to the structure, framework, or underlying arrangement of something. Example: “The engineer found a structural flaw in the bridge's main support beam.”

adjective

Relating to the structure, framework, or underlying arrangement of something.

"The engineer found a structural flaw in the bridge's main support beam."

"The company needs structural changes, not just cosmetic ones."

How to Use Structural

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to how something is built or organized at its core.

Common pairings

structural damage structural integrity structural changes

Word Forms

more structural comparative, structurals plural, most structural superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The engineer found a _____ flaw in the bridge's main support beam.

Etymology

From structure plus the adjective-forming suffix -al, dating to the 19th century.

· First attested 1800

Class of 1800 structural joined the language around 1800.

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Synonyms

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systemic organisational foundational architectural load-bearing skeletal

Related Words

basic corporate widespread elementary institutional architectural systemic endemic

Rhymes for structural

rural mural plural neural natural cultural epidural subdural guttural unnatural inaugural procedural

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “structural” mean?

The word “structural” means relating to the structure, framework, or underlying arrangement of something. In plain terms, relating to how something is built or organized at its core.

How do you pronounce “structural”?

“Structural” is pronounced STRUHK-shuh-ruhl (/ˈstɹʌk(t͡)ʃəɹəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “structural” in a sentence?

Here is “structural” used in a sentence: “The engineer found a structural flaw in the bridge's main support beam.”

What part of speech is “structural”?

“Structural” is an adjective.

Where does the word “structural” come from?

The word “structural” dates back to around 1800. From structure plus the adjective-forming suffix -al, dating to the 19th century.

Is “structural” a common word?

“Structural” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

What is the difference between "structural" and "structured"?

"Structural" relates to the structure or framework of something, as in structural damage to a building. "Structured" means organised or arranged according to a plan, as in a structured lesson, so one describes the framework itself and the other describes deliberate organisation.

What is the difference between "structural" and "cosmetic"?

"Structural" refers to the underlying framework that holds something together, so structural damage affects stability. "Cosmetic" refers to surface appearance only, so a cosmetic crack looks bad but does not threaten the structure.

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