English Reference
adjective

correctional

adj.
US /kɝˈɛkʃənəɫ/ UK /kəɹˈɛkʃənəl/ cor·rec·tion·al

  1. 01 C1 Advanced FormalAmerican English Law

    used to describe things related to prisons and the way criminals are punished or helped to change.

    relating to the treatment and rehabilitation of people who have committed crimes, particularly through imprisonment.

    Simple

    He spent ten years working as a correctional officer at the state prison.

    In context

    The government proposed a significant increase in the budget for correctional facilities to address the issue of overcrowding in the state's prisons.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'officer', 'facility', or 'system'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical

    intended to fix or improve something that is wrong.

    intended to produce a correction or improvement in behavior or a specific condition.

    Simple

    The teacher suggested some correctional exercises to help the student improve their posture.

    In context

    The physical therapist designed a series of correctional movements to address the patient's spinal misalignment over several months.

    Usage

    In this general sense, 'corrective' is much more common in modern English.

Guelph, a high-risk offender allegedly breached his conditions within hours of being sprung from Maplehurst Correctional Complex.

Toronto Sun· 17 Aug 2026

When video visitation is run well , visitors may appreciate avoiding security screenings, long waits and the harsh correctional environment.

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated