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

• active
• alive
• functional
• functioning
• going
• live
• living
• on
• operating
• operative
• running
• working

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

By Charlie Campbell May 30, 2024 7:42 AM EDT When TIME visited auto manufacturer VinFast’s EV factory in northern Vietnam in 2022, Google Maps still showed half the site as under the South China Sea; the land had been reclaimed and made operational in just 21 months. —Charlie Campbell, TIME, 30 May 2024

There will be seven production lines when the new facility is fully operational. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2024

Most districts across Idaho rely on supplemental levies for operational needs. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2024

Since becoming operational nearly a week ago, the pier's new complicating factors appear to be convincing countries to step up donations into Cyprus and enabling aid workers safe passage to distribute the supplies. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

operation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing operational

• pre-operational

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