operational

adjective

USop-uh-RAY-shuh-nuhl/ɔpɜˈɹeɪʃənəl/UKop-er-AY-shuh-nuhl/ˌɒpəˈɹeɪʃənəl/

4 meanings of operational

1
adjective
Working properly and ready to be used.
Like a car that has been fixed and is ready to drive again.
The new elevator is finally operational after months of repairs.
All the machines are operational and ready for the morning shift.
Similarworking, functional, functioning, running, operative
Oppositeinoperative, broken, down
Note
2
adjective
Having to do with operations, especially in the military.
The army changed its operational plans before the attack.
Managers reviewed the operational details of the new factory.
Note
3
adjective
Working and having a real effect right now.
The new safety rules are now operational across all sites.
Their plan only becomes operational once everyone agrees to it.
Similareffective, operative, valid, active
Oppositeinoperative, void, invalid
4
adjective
Based on what can actually be measured or tested in practice.
Like saying someone is 'tall' only if they are taller than the door: something anyone can check.
Scientists gave an operational meaning to hunger by counting hours without food.
The team set an operational test for success: more than half must pass.
Oppositeconceptual, theoretical

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of operational apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

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