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

Primarily a situational third-down back who’s adept at pass protection, Brooks has 63 carries for 289 yards and a touchdown in two years with the Packers, with 24 catches for 160 yards. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

From New York and Florida to Michigan and Los Angeles, ordinary worshipers are training in situational awareness, access control, surveillance detection, emergency response and coordination with law enforcement. — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Dobbins will no doubt command Denver’s room on the ground in 2026, and Coleman could eat into situational touches. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2026

A little situational awareness—and a willingness to think beyond your own desires—goes a long way. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 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
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational

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