Words / C1

op-uh-RAYSH-uh-nl/ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl/

Operational means working and ready, or about day-to-day running: fully operational, operational reasons. Working is everyday; operative can mean “in force” (a rule). Operation is surgery or a mission. Do not stamp operational on a logo launch with no staffed phone.

Meaning

Working and ready to be used; also, relating to the day-to-day running of a system.

Examples

• “The helpline was not operational on the morning of the exam.”
• “The helpline was not operational on the morning of the exam, which was the finding.”
• “Working is everyday; operational is systems and readiness. Operational reasons can be a vague stall — demand the fact. An operation in hospital is surgery.”

Good to know

Up and running / about day-to-day ops. Everyday: working. Cousin: operative (in force). Noun: operation (surgery / mission). A logo is not readiness.

Near in meaning

working

New