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Synonyms

operational

American  
[op-uh-rey-shuh-nl] / ˌɒp əˈreɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

  1. able to function or be used; functional.

    How soon will the new factory be operational?

  2. Military.

    1. of, relating to, or involved in military operations.

    2. on active service or combat duty.

      All units of the command are operational.

  3. of or relating to operations or an operation.

operational British  
/ ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to an operation or operations

  2. in working order and ready for use

  3. military capable of, needed in, or actually involved in operations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonoperational adjective
  • operationally adverb
  • preoperational adjective

Etymology

Origin of operational

First recorded in 1920–25; operation + -al 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If development continues as expected, it could be operational by the end of the decade and serve as a strong candidate for launching a Uranus mission.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Carl Kneeshaw, from the ambulance service, said it was "navigating a difficult financial and operational landscape".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The company’s technology, competitive cost structure, extensive operational experience and longstanding engagement with regulators will support the company’s growth, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Intel owned the remaining 51% and maintained full ownership and operational control of Fab 34 and its assets.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“Some pinpoint! Is it an airfield? It’s jolly well operational, if it is!”

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.