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

“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

This time, the Pentagon moved quickly to operationalize Trump’s orders to execute military strikes in the region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 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