English Reference

Word

environmental

Phoneticsen·vi·ron·men·tal, stress on the fourth syllable

US/ɪnˌvaɪɹənˈmɛnəɫ/

UK/ɛnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl/

Definitions

01relating to nature

B1 · Intermediate

adj. relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals.

adj. pertaining to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its ecosystems.

“The government is introducing new environmental laws to protect the local forests.”

“The environmental impact of the proposed dam was debated for months by local activists and government engineers.”

Usage

Always used before a noun.

02eco-friendly

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. designed to protect the planet or cause as little damage as possible.

adj. intended to minimize damage to the natural environment; often used as a synonym for 'green' or 'sustainable'.

“Many people prefer to buy environmental products even if they cost a bit more.”

“The company rebranded its cleaning line to highlight its environmental benefits, focusing on biodegradable ingredients and recycled packaging.”

Usage

Commonly used in marketing and policy contexts.

Synonyms

greensustainableeco-friendly

Antonyms

03operating conditions

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Computing Technical

n. the physical conditions like temperature or space where computer equipment is kept.

n. physical factors relating to the environment in which hardware is operated, such as temperature, humidity, or rack space.

“The technician checked the room's environmentals to make sure the servers wouldn't overheat.”

“Before the new data centre went live, the engineers spent a week monitoring the environmentals to ensure optimal airflow across the server racks.”

Usage

Usually used in the plural form 'environmentals'.

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “environmental” in context.

Noun

01. environmental impact

“We must assess the environmental impact of the new highway before building starts.”

adj + noun

02. environmental damage

“The oil spill caused long-term environmental damage to the local ecosystem.”

adj + noun

03. environmental awareness

“Schools play a vital role in raising environmental awareness among children.”

adj + noun

04. environmental conditions

05. environmental groups

06. environmental effects

07. cause serious environmental damage

“Industrial waste can cause serious environmental damage if not treated.”

08. concurrent environmental

09. environmental challenge

10. environmental change

11. environmental changes

12. environmental impacts

Etymology

From environment + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

environmental(B1)

Domains

ComputingEcology

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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