English

Adjective

operational ‎(comparative more operational, superlative most operational)

1. Of or relating to operations, especially military operations.
   • 2013 June 22, “Engineers of a different kind”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8841, page 70:

     Private-equity nabobs bristle at being dubbed mere financiers. […] Much of their pleading is public-relations bluster. Clever financial ploys are what have made billionaires of the industry’s veterans. “Operational improvement” in a portfolio company has often meant little more than promising colossal bonuses to sitting chief executives if they meet ambitious growth targets. That model is still prevalent today.

2. Functioning and ready for use.
   • 1977, George Lucas, Governor Tarkin in Star Wars,

     Princess Leia, before your execution, you will join me at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.

3. Effective or operative.
4. Determined by means of practical measures.

Derived terms

• operationalize
• pre-operational

Translations