operational

[ op-uh-rey-shuh-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.

operational

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌoperˈationally, adverb

Other Words From

• oper·ation·al·ly adverb
• nonop·er·ation·al adjective
• preop·er·ation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of operational¹

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

Example Sentences

The Baja plant is expected to start processing sewage soon, and once both plants are online and fully operational, sewage flows are expected to be reduced by 90%.

From Los Angeles Times

Russia has around 4,380 operational nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists, but only 1,700 are “deployed” or ready for use.

From BBC

As we all know, there aren't many guardrails left but Trumpian dysfunction is actually one of them and it's still fully operational.

From Salon

The research findings offer practical resource for developing training programs, advancing technology, and refining operational protocols for the remote driving of automated vehicles.

From Science Daily

The government has refused to comment on the reports for operational reasons, but officials confirmed Defence Secretary John Healey spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart on Tuesday night.

From BBC

Related Words

• practical
• ready
• useful
• viable
• working