ecological

British  

/ ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to ecology

2. (of a practice, policy, product, etc) tending to benefit or cause minimal damage to the environment

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Other Word Forms

• ecologically adverb

Explanation

Anything ecological relates to the science of ecology, which is the study of how living things and the environment do their thing. If you're interested in issues like preserving rain forests, saving endangered species, and keeping drinking water safe, you're interested in ecological issues. Ecological things have to do with how plants and animals relate to each other, in good and bad ways, in specific environments — from the impact of floods on river insects to how smog harms humans. Just about anything people do has an ecological impact — for better or worse.

Example Sentences

As rising temperatures are shifting natural plant cycles, species that synchronise their migration or hibernation can be left without the flowers and plants they rely on – a phenomenon known as ecological mismatch.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Citing a "risk of impact on nearby nature areas", the port said it was "doing everything possible to minimise both operational and ecological damage".

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Companies we work with in the energy and infrastructure sectors are finding that integrating ecological principles and conservation practices into development projects and operations avoids other business interruptions as well.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Each species carved out its own ecological role despite living side by side.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

When scholars first increased their estimates of Indians’ ecological management they met with considerable resistance, especially from ecologists and environmentalists.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann