/ ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl; NAmE ˌɑːp-/ adjective
1.
[ usually before noun ] connected with the way in which a business, machine, system, etc. works :
operational activities / costs / difficulties
2.
[ not usually before noun ] ready to be used :
The new airport is now fully operational .
3.
[ only before noun ] connected with a military operation :
operational headquarters
► op·er·ation·al·ly adverb