situational

adjective

sit·​u·​a·​tion·​al ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or appropriate to a situation

2

: of or relating to situation ethics

situationally adverb

Examples of situational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For many religious objectors, including Amish, vaccination rejection is a situational interpretation of religious doctrine, not a direct theological mandate. —Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026

The look of the backgrounds is also situational. —Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

The power of modeling Although some people may have a greater predisposition to heroism based on their personality, situational factors also play a key role in inspiring heroic behavior. —Catherine A. Sanderson, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026

That could provide commanders with better situational awareness while keeping troops safer. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing situational

• situational irony

Rhymes for situational

• aspirational
• avocational
• calculational
• combinational
• computational
• conformational
• confrontational
• congregational
• conversational
• correlational
• deformational
• derivational

Medical Definition

situational

adjective

sit·​u·​a·​tion·​al -shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or occurring in a particular set of circumstances

situational impotence

situational hypertension

situationally

-ē 

adverb