operational
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for operational, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Working and ready to be used.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use operational
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From operation plus the adjective suffix "-al."
Full origin of operational →Frequently asked questions
What does “operational” mean?
The word “operational” means working and ready to be used. In plain terms, either "up and running" or "related to how something is actually run day to day.".
How do you pronounce “operational”?
“Operational” is pronounced op-uh-RAY-shuh-nuhl (/ˌɑ.pəˈɹeɪ.ʃə.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “operational” in a sentence?
Here is “operational” used in a sentence: “The new bridge is now fully operational.”
What part of speech is “operational”?
“Operational” is an adjective.
Is “operational” a common word?
“Operational” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “operational” have?
“Operational” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: working and ready to be used.
What is the difference between 'operational' and 'operative'?
'Operational' usually means working and ready for use, or relating to the day-to-day running of a system. 'Operative' overlaps in meaning but is also used as a noun for a worker or agent, and as an adjective it often stresses that something is currently in effect (as in 'the operative word'). In everyday equipment and business contexts, 'operational' is the more common choice.
When should you use 'operational' instead of 'strategic'?
Use 'operational' for the practical, day-to-day running of an organization or system, such as staffing, logistics, or routine processes. Use 'strategic' for the long-term goals and overall direction. Business writers often pair the two to contrast hands-on execution with big-picture planning.