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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• nonoperational adjective
• operationally adverb
• preoperational adjective

Etymology

Origin of operational

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

Example Sentences

Many airlines shield themselves from volatility in the price of fuel, which makes up a large part of their operational costs, by hedging it, usually using financial derivatives to try to spread their risk.

From MarketWatch

Spoljaric said her organisation was "preparing an operational response to humanitarian needs on the ground", in cooperation with the Afghan and Pakistan Red Crescent societies and state authorities.

From Barron's

The cereal shift is part of a broader effort by Target to sharpen its merchandise assortment and rebuild momentum after several uneven years marked by weaker discretionary spending and operational challenges in stores.

From The Wall Street Journal

After an overnight attack on Friday Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba repeated that the maritime corridor was still operational despite another massive attack on Ukraine's port facilities.

From Barron's

The company said its sales growth and operational improvements allowed it to maintain profitability “despite macroeconomic headwinds and higher beef costs.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• practical
• ready
• useful
• viable
• working