adjective
Common
operational
op-uh-RAY-shuh-nuhl
Operational (adjective) means working and ready to be used. Example: “The old lift is operational again after being repaired last week.”
adjective
1
Working and ready to be used.
"Despite somewhat faded paintwork, 87017 Iron Duke is clearly very much operational, as confirmed here on September 4."
— , News in pictures: Class 87 soldiers on in Bulgaria (2022)
"Princess Leia, before your execution, you will join me at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now."
— George Lucas, Governor Tarkin (1977)
"The old lift is operational again after being repaired last week."
"Is the printer operational, or do we still need to call someone?"
"The new bridge is now fully operational."
2
Relating to the day-to-day running of an organization or system, rather than its overall strategy.
"The manager is responsible for operational decisions, such as when the shop opens."
"Operational costs like electricity and cleaning rose over the winter."
"The team handles operational issues like staffing and supplies."
How to use operational
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "up and running" or "related to how something is actually run day to day."
Common pairings
operational costs
fully operational
operational efficiency
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more operational
- Superlative
- most operational
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old lift is _____ again after being repaired last week.
Etymology
From operation plus the adjective suffix "-al."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonoperational
Related words
Rhymes for operational
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for 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.
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