situational

adjective

sit·​u·​a·​tion·​al ˌsi-chə-ˈwā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or appropriate to a situation

2

: of or relating to situation ethics

situationally adverb

Examples of situational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During major events, such as farmers markets or the annual La Mesa Oktoberfest, Sweeney said, the drones would strengthen situational awareness for police officers. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

But his role in the bullpen was strictly situational. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

In were some guys who made contact, grinded through tough matchups, ran well and played team-first, situational baseball. —Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

Additional onboard systems include navigation radar and multiple sensors for situational awareness. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing situational

• situational irony

Rhymes for situational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• nonrational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational

Medical Definition

situational

adjective

sit·​u·​a·​tion·​al -shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or occurring in a particular set of circumstances

situational impotence

situational hypertension

situationally

-ē 

adverb