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 of operational

• operating
• operative
• functioning

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

An Israeli military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media or to discuss sensitive operational matters, also confirmed the withdrawal. — Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

What the survey ultimately reveals, is that supply chain and sourcing executives navigating toward 2027 are balancing cautious optimism with intense operational pressure. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Combine these operational risks with Apple's current valuation, and the picture becomes precarious. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

According to experts, the program would strengthen the Navy’s mine countermeasure capabilities, fleet readiness, and operational effectiveness. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

operation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing operational

• pre-operational

Rhymes for operational

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

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