What does "operational" mean?
Of or relating to operations, especially military operations.
Operational
/ˌɒp.əˈɹeɪ.ʃə.nəl/ adj
adj ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Of or relating to operations, especially military operations.
- Grammar: operational is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: functional, operable, usable, able to work.
- Useful contrasts: inoperational, non-operational, abstract.
- Usage evidence: At present "consume all consumable resources" is assigned as the operational meaning of TETRA.
How to use "operational"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "operational" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "operational" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "operational" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "operational" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "operational" is acting as adj in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "functional" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "operational", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to operations, especially military operations.
"Private-equity nabobs bristle at being dubbed mere financiers.[…]Much of their pleading is public-relations bluster. Clever financial ploys are what have made billionaires of the industry’s veterans. “Operational improvement” in a portfolio company has often meant little more than promising colossal bonuses to sitting chief executives if they meet ambitious growth targets. That model is still prevalent today."
- 2 Functioning and ready for use.
"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."
- 3 Effective or operative.
- 4 Determined by means of practical measures.
Adjective
- 1 being in effect or operation wordnet
- 2 (military) of or intended for or involved in military operations wordnet
- 3 fit or ready for use or service wordnet
- 4 pertaining to a process or series of actions for achieving a result wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"At present "consume all consumable resources" is assigned as the operational meaning of TETRA."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "operational"?
Common synonyms include: functional, operable, usable, able to work, acting, action related.
How do you use "operational" in a sentence?
At present "consume all consumable resources" is assigned as the operational meaning of TETRA.
How do you pronounce "operational"?
Pronounced /ˌɒp.əˈɹeɪ.ʃə.nəl/.
Etymology
From operation + -al.