operational

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to operation or to an operation

the operational gap between planning and production

2

: of, relating to, or based on operations

3

a

: of, engaged in, or connected with execution of military or naval operations in campaign or battle

b

: ready for or in condition to undertake a destined function

operationally adverb

Synonyms

• active
• alive
• functional
• functioning
• going
• live
• living
• on
• operating
• operative
• running
• working

Examples of operational in a Sentence

The new airport should be fully operational by next year.

The computer network is now operational.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the head of strategy and performance management, the executive oversaw the agency’s strategic performance in crafting initiatives to optimize both operational efficiency and long-term outcomes. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024

What was once primarily focused on managing infrastructure and applications has evolved into a multidimensional role requiring a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence and leadership acumen. —Sudhir Pai, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Border security - The United States needs to establish operational control of our Southern Border. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2024

In any event, the schedule for launching an operational Starliner crew flight in less than a year seems improbable. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

operation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing operational

• pre-operational

Kids Definition

operational

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of or relating to operation or an operation

2

: ready for operation

Legal Definition

operational

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shə-nəl 

: ministerial