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

Established to support environmental research, ecological education and public access to the shoreline, the property is also home to many wildlife species, including bald eagles, river otters, red foxes and more than 90 species of birds. — Evan Moore august 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026

For Blumstein, who writes papers about avoiding a ghastly ecological future, the positive response to OnlyMarms has been unexpectedly buoying. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Birds are valuable contributors to nature’s harmony, providing essential ecological services such as eating insects, dispersing seeds, and pollinating plants. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

That history includes colonial-era rebellions, using drones to monitor land invasions for legal ecological complaints, and protests against new or proposed laws. — Chenier Carpio Opua, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ecological

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