operational

operational — adjective

1. dealing with the practical systems, steps, and decisions needed to run an activi

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

dealing with the practical systems, steps, and decisions needed to run an activity, business, or machine

Example

The report focuses on operational problems in the city bus system.

operational + problems in a system

We need an operational plan before the new clinic opens.

operational + plan

Common collocations
  • operational plan
  • operational problems
  • operational decisions
  • operational pressure
  • operational procedures
Synonyms
  • practical

    is broader and can describe useful real-world action, not specifically systems or running work

  • administrative

    often focuses on office management and paperwork rather than full working processes

  • logistical

    is narrower and mainly concerns movement, supply, and organization

Antonyms
  • strategic

    focuses on overall direction and long-term aims rather than day-to-day running

Grammar Patterns

operational plan

operational problems

operational decisions

Usage Note

Common before nouns such as plan, problem, cost, decision, and procedure. Distinguish from adjective/2, which describes something as already working and ready to use.

Common Mistakes

The website is operational problems.
The website has operational problems.
In this sense, operational describes a noun such as problems or plan; it does not complete the sentence by itself.

2. working properly and ready for people to use

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

working properly and ready for people to use

Example

The website will be fully operational by Monday morning.

collocation: fully operational

After two hours of repairs, the lift was operational again.

Common collocations
  • fully operational
  • be operational
  • become operational
  • remain operational
  • operational again
Synonyms
  • working

    is the everyday choice and is less formal

  • functional

    stresses that the parts work as they should

  • ready

    focuses on availability, even before actual use starts

Antonyms
  • broken

    suggests damage or failure

  • out of service

    is common for transport, lifts, and public equipment

  • inactive

    can mean not currently functioning or not currently in use

Grammar Patterns

be operational

become operational

remain operational

Usage Note

Usually follows be, become, or remain. Unlike adjective/1, this sense describes the present condition of a system, machine, service, or building.

Common Mistakes

The airport became operationally yesterday.
The airport became operational yesterday.
Use the adjective operational after become; operationally is an adverb.

3. used in carrying out military action, especially in real service rather than tra

3.adjectiveC1
Definition

used in carrying out military action, especially in real service rather than training

Example

The base sent operational units to the border at dawn.

operational + units

Captain Liu moved from training work into an operational command role.

operational + command

Common collocations
  • operational units
  • operational command
  • operational details
  • operational support
  • operational plans
Synonyms
  • combat

    is closer to direct fighting, while operational can include wider support and planning work

  • field

    can suggest active service outside headquarters, but it is less formal and less exact

  • tactical

    is narrower and often concerns immediate battlefield decisions

Antonyms
  • training

    describes practice or preparation rather than real missions

  • civilian

    marks non-military people or activities

Grammar Patterns

operational unit

operational command

operational support

Usage Note

Mostly used before nouns such as unit, command, support, and plan. It stays within military contexts, unlike adjective/1, which is used for business or technical work.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

For sense 2, operational is more formal than working and is common for systems, services, airports, websites, or military equipment. Working is the everyday choice when you simply mean something is not broken. Functional is close, but it often stresses that the parts do what they should, even if the result is basic. Ready means prepared for use, so something can be ready before it actually starts running. Active can overlap in technical contexts, but it often means currently switched on or officially in effect. A printer can be working at home, a new control room becomes operational after testing, and an emergency plan is active once the city starts using it.

operational ↗working ↗functional ↗ready ↗active ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Operational was formed in English from operation and the ending -al. Operation came into English through French from Latin operatio, from a verb meaning to work or carry something out. The adjective keeps that idea of work in action, whether it refers to daily running, equipment that is working, or military activity.