WordGarden.ioorganizational
C1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌɔrɡənəˈzeɪʃənəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to an organization, especially its structure or internal operations
relating to arranging, planning, or keeping things in order
Beyond the definition
"Organizational" describes anything related to the way things are arranged and managed, not just in a physical sense, but also in terms of structure, efficiency, and planning. Think about a well-run company; it often has strong organizational systems. It can also describe your personal abilities. If you are good at keeping your schedule clear, planning ahead, and knowing where your tools are, people might say you have strong organizational skills. A messy, chaotic desk usually shows a lack of order. This word is common in business and education when people talk about how a group or system works.
"Organizational" relates to the way things—whether tasks, people, information, or systems—are arranged and coordinated to achieve a specific goal. It's more than just simple tidiness; it is about creating a framework for efficiency and success.
You will frequently hear the term "organizational skills" when discussing someone's ability to plan, prioritize, and manage their time effectively. For instance, a project manager relies on these abilities to keep a complex venture on track. The term is most common in a business context: "organizational behavior" studies how people act within groups, while an "organizational structure" refers to the hierarchy and relationships between different departments in a company.
However, its use is not limited to the office! You might analyze the "organizational pattern" of a novel to see how its plot unfolds, or discuss the "organizational challenges" facing a local nonprofit. Even your brain uses organizational systems to help you categorize information and recall memories.
Sometimes, the word describes tools specifically designed to improve order—like an "organizational chart," which visually maps out a company's hierarchy, or "organizational software" designed to streamline complex workflows.
Ultimately, whether it is about streamlining processes, managing resources, or bringing order to a chaotic environment, "organizational" speaks to the art of coordination and the science of achieving goals through careful structure.
Examples
- 1
Work skills
Good organizational skills help you keep track of deadlines and documents.
- 2
Company structure
The company changed its organizational structure after the merger.
- 3
Workplace chart
New employees receive an organizational chart on their first day.
- Phraseorganizational chart
a diagram that shows jobs and who reports to whom
- 4
Management problem
The manager said the delay was an organizational problem, not one person's fault.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace culture
The training focused on leadership, communication, and organizational culture.
- 6
School changes
The school is going through major organizational changes this year.
- 7
Whole organization
At the organizational level, the new policy will affect every department.
- Phraseat the organizational level
across the whole organization, not just one team or person
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- organizational structure
- organizational culture
- organizational change
- organizational behavior
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- organizationaladjective