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
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
The organization said the CLARITY Act would establish clearer rules for the digital asset market, including definitions for digital commodities, regulatory roles, and operational requirements for companies.
—
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 6 Dec. 2025
Once operational on the F-35A, METEOR is expected to enhance long-range aerial combat capability significantly.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
The facility is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU and other civil rights groups, which alleges serious operational failures—including raw sewage leaks, insect infestations, insufficient medical care, and inadequate food and clothing for cold weather.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Officials said the drill provided an opportunity to refine operational readiness and tactics, highlighting coordination among missile units, drones, surveillance platforms and electronic warfare systems to bolster the navy's ability to detect and respond to threats.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for operational
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Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 6 Dec. 2025
Once operational on the F-35A, METEOR is expected to enhance long-range aerial combat capability significantly.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
The facility is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU and other civil rights groups, which alleges serious operational failures—including raw sewage leaks, insect infestations, insufficient medical care, and inadequate food and clothing for cold weather.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Officials said the drill provided an opportunity to refine operational readiness and tactics, highlighting coordination among missile units, drones, surveillance platforms and electronic warfare systems to bolster the navy's ability to detect and respond to threats.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for operational
Cite this Entry
“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operational. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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