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

Compounding the challenge, the museum hosts millions of visitors annually, requiring all restoration work to proceed in phased stages while keeping the venue operational. — CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

When the company was early in its commercial journey, McMaster helped build its operational systems, sales leadership and the service infrastructure customers need to get value from robots. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

With his pipe in his mouth, Chang devoted himself to operational excellence. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Previous endurance test Figure has already tested its humanoids in a much longer operational demonstration. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 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