operational
Americanadjective
-
able to function or be used; functional.
How soon will the new factory be operational?
-
Military.
-
of, relating to, or involved in military operations.
-
on active service or combat duty.
All units of the command are operational.
-
-
of or relating to operations or an operation.
adjective
-
of or relating to an operation or operations
-
in working order and ready for use
-
military capable of, needed in, or actually involved in operations
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of operational
Explanation
If something is operational, it’s up and running and ready to go. If you’ve been waiting for a new skating rink to open, you’ll jump for joy when it’s finally operational. When something is operational, it's ready to use or is already in use. Don’t get on an elevator that’s not fully operational unless you like getting stuck. Any gadget being used is operational. If someone calls you and you pick up and talk, then both phones are operational. If the compost bin you’ve been working on is operational, go ahead and throw in the banana peels. Operational things are functional. If your skates are operational, lace up and go!
Vocabulary lists containing operational
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 13
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"CLEP Financial Accounting," Vocabulary from Chapter 14
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
“The safety and security of our customers and employees always come first and continue to guide our operational decisions,” Delta said in a statement.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
“Lincoln Nation conducted major combat operations, enforced naval blockade and demonstrated the presence and power of the carrier strike group and multiple numbered fleets, all while keeping up unprecedented operational tempo.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
England said NCP was "immensely grateful" to its employees, customers and suppliers and its priority was "to restore full operational momentum and build a sustainable platform for long-term growth".
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
"The UK Mission, Jerusalem is independent, operational and will continue to deliver vital services and our work with the Palestinian people," Foreign Minister Ed Miliband said in a statement.
From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026
“The rink is operational year-round anyway, just have to adjust a few things here and there to keep other parts of the building open. So here’s the plan.”
From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely
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.
