WordGarden.iostructurally
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /strˈʌktʃərəli/
US
- /ˈstrəktʃərəli/
Meanings
Adverb
with respect to the physical construction or supporting framework of something
with respect to the underlying organization of a society, institution, or economy
in terms of formal arrangement or pattern within a system
Beyond the definition
When we say something is "structurally sound," we mean its basic framework is strong and reliable. But "structurally" is not just about buildings. It describes how any system, idea, or organization is put together. A structurally flawed argument may fall apart because its parts do not connect well, while a structurally efficient company may work better because of how it is organized. Think of a spiderweb: its strength comes from the way it is designed to spread weight.
You'll often hear "structurally" when people talk about changes to systems or organizations. For example, a company might be "structurally reorganized" to improve efficiency. It can also describe physical damage: "The bridge was structurally damaged by the earthquake," meaning the damage affects the main framework rather than just the surface.
"Structurally" describes anything relating to the way parts are assembled or organized to form a whole. It's about the underlying framework, arrangement, and connections that give something its shape, strength, and function. While often used in relation to physical structures like buildings, bridges, or even biological organisms (like "structurally complex proteins"), it extends far beyond the concrete world.
You might say an essay is "structurally weak" if its arguments aren't logically connected, or that a political system is "structurally biased" if certain groups are unfairly disadvantaged by how the system is inherently designed. "Structurally different" implies fundamental differences in organization—for example, "The two economies were structurally different, making trade difficult."
It often appears when discussing changes or deep-seated problems within systems. A budget might be "structurally imbalanced" if the underlying spending patterns consistently exceed income. In economics, we say a market has "structurally shifted" when long-term changes, such as new technology, permanently alter how the system functions.
Essentially, if you're talking about how something is built—whether it's a physical object, a social system, or an abstract idea—and how that construction impacts its function or stability, then "structurally" is the word to use. It emphasizes the importance of underlying organization and arrangement in determining overall effectiveness.
Examples
- 1
Structural safety
Engineers confirmed that the bridge was still structurally sound after the earthquake.
- 2
Building damage
The fire did not destroy the whole warehouse, but it left the roof structurally unsafe.
- 3
Course design
The two courses use different examples, but they are structurally very similar.
- Patternstructurally similar
similar in the way the parts are organized
- 4
Economy
The country's economy is structurally dependent on oil exports.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
System fairness
Many critics argue that the housing market is structurally unfair to young buyers.
See also
Similar
- in structure
- organizationally
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- structurally similar
- structurally sound
- structurally different
- structurally important
Word family
Explore
- configuration
- load-bearing
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- structurallyadverb