operationalize

American  

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

especially British, operationalise

verb (used with object)

1. to put into operation, action, or use; implement.

   It’s our VP’s task to effectively operationalize the company’s vision.

   Unfortunately, relations between the two superpowers have never been strong enough to operationalize the northern route through Central Asia.

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Other Word Forms

• operationalization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of operationalize

First recorded in 1950–55; operational ( def. ) + -ize ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Plans to institutionalize and operationalize the European dimension through exercises and dedicated coordinating bodies will likely be welcomed in Berlin because it gives hope that French nuclear assurances will last beyond Macron’s presidency,” he added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

“This pickup reflects the payoff from a mutli-year effort to streamline talent needs, automate processes, and operationalize efficiency,” writes EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

Or they overspent on infrastructure they couldn’t operationalize and are now cutting to manage cash flow.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

The San Diego County health department said only that it “is exploring how to effectively operationalize this law in its jurisdiction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

Definitions matter: how do you operationalize the concept of "polarization".

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023