ecological

adjective

eco·​log·​i·​cal ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl  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

In every community in nature, each type of organism has its own specialized role to play in what is called an ecological niche.

—William Threlfall

Rush 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

The 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.

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.

ecologically

ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

ˌe-kə-

adverb

… an ecologically rich river basin …

—Cultural Survival Quarterly

Sustainable agricultural practices involve making choices that are not only ecologically sound but also economically viable and socially just.

—Karin Springen

Examples of ecological in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As beavers become more popular and their ecological benefits better known, Colorado wildlife officials are, for the first time, compiling a statewide management plan for the tens of thousands of beavers that make Colorado’s waterways their home. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025

From restoring grasslands and wetlands, to improving water quality and supporting rural economies, CRP delivers broad ecological and social benefits. —Arkansas Online, 24 Nov. 2025

The transitional zone, also known as an ecotone, is a region situated between two distinct ecological communities. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025

Earlier this week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that relocating the capital may become unavoidable due to overcrowding and ecological strain, suggesting an underdeveloped region in southeastern Iran as a potential site. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ecological

• analogical
• astrological
• biological
• christological
• chronological
• cosmological
• cytological
• dialogical
• ethnological
• ethological
• geological
• histological