ecological
adjective
eco·log·i·cal
ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 
ˌe-kə-
ˌe-kə-
variants
or less commonly ecologic
ˌē-kə-ˈlä-jik
ˌe-kə-
1
: of or relating to the science of ecology
ecological studies
2
: of or relating to the environments of living things or to the relationships between living things and their environments
The ecological effects of the turf monoculture become even more troubling as large tracts, such as golf courses, displace whole ecosystems in a single stroke.—
Adelheid Fischer
Adelheid FischerIn every community in nature, each type of organism has its own specialized role to play in what is called an ecological niche.—William Threlfall
William ThrelfallRush was scoffing at concerns that the schools of sharks gathering off the coast of Florida might be an indication of some harmful ecological change.—Al Franken
Al FrankenThe chief of a new environmental protection committee, Fyodor Morgun, blamed the "ill-considered drive to build gigantic plants" for a Pandora's box of ecological problems, including air and water pollution.—William R. Doerner et al.
William R. Doerner et al.3
: of or relating to human ecology
Ecological data suggest that in rural areas the availability of family physicians is associated with reduced mortality rate after adjustment for demographic and economic factors.—Peter Franks et al.
Peter Franks et al.
ecologically
ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē
adverb
ˌe-kə-
… an ecologically rich river basin …
—Cultural Survival Quarterly
Cultural Survival Quarterly
Sustainable agricultural practices involve making choices that are not only ecologically sound but also economically viable and socially just.
—Karin Springen
Karin Springen
Examples of ecological in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Treating the planet as a machine to be fixed or replaced ignores the profound interdependence that underpins ecological stability and human survival.
—Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The backdrop of the Marcos dictatorship shaped her artistic approach, defined by an interest in quotidian experience—including everyday injustices such as gender inequality and the ecological exploitation of the Philippines by greedy conglomerates.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025
In addition to ecological considerations, the plan will also incorporate community needs and uses garnered through a series of community meetings.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Key Takeaways Most backyard ponds require weekly maintenance, especially those housing koi fish, to maintain ecological balance.
—Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ecological
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Dr. Alex Gold, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
The backdrop of the Marcos dictatorship shaped her artistic approach, defined by an interest in quotidian experience—including everyday injustices such as gender inequality and the ecological exploitation of the Philippines by greedy conglomerates.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025
In addition to ecological considerations, the plan will also incorporate community needs and uses garnered through a series of community meetings.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Key Takeaways Most backyard ponds require weekly maintenance, especially those housing koi fish, to maintain ecological balance.
—Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ecological
Cite this Entry
“Ecological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecological. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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