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

• 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

While the system has previously suffered delays to getting back on track, MIA’s Chin now says the fourth station will open and Skytrain will be fully operational by mid-September 2025. —Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025

Although many events have struggled due to mounting talent and operational costs, changing ticket buying behaviour, climate change and other factors, Untitled Group and its flagship fest BTV this year celebrate their tenth anniversary. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025

To minimize operational risk, support data privacy standards and conform with residency regulations, agent access should also be restricted only to those data sets and systems needed to execute its specific task, which can prevent unauthorized or irreversible changes without oversight. —Ben Blanquera, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

This timeframe coincides with peak hours when most sample stations are fully operational, giving shoppers access to a wide array of products. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025

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