DictionaryAI

environmental

USen-vy-urn-MEN-tuhl/ənˌvaɪ.ɚnˈmɛn.təl/UKin-vy-ruhn-MEN-tuhl/ɪnˌvaɪ.ɹə(n)ˈmɛn.təl/

4 meanings of environmental

Practice

  1. 1
    about natureadjective
    Having to do with nature and the world around living things.

    The factory caused serious environmental damage to the nearby river.

    Students learned about environmental problems like pollution and litter.

    UsageUse it before a noun: environmental problems. Before another describing word, say environmentally, as in environmentally friendly.

    Similarecological

  2. 2
    green (products)adjective
    Causing little or no harm to nature.

    Taking the bus to work is the more environmental choice.

    Which bag is more environmental, paper or cloth?

    UsageTo be clear, you can say environmentally friendly or green instead.

    Similargreen, eco-friendly, sustainable

    Note
  3. 3
    upbringingadjective
    Having to do with how a person is raised and the world around them, not with their genes.

    Is shyness in your genes, or is it environmental?

    Her love of music is environmental: she grew up in a house full of singers.

    UsageOften used next to genetic, as in genetic and environmental causes.

    Similaracquired

    Oppositegenetic, hereditary, inherited, innate

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    noun
    A physical condition where computer hardware runs, like the room temperature or the number of equipment racks.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of environmental apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from the word "environment" plus the ending "-al."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact