# environmental

/ɪnˌvaɪɹənˈmɛnəɫ/ (US) · /ɛnvˌaɪɹənmˈɛntəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/environmental
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. relating to nature

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. eco-friendly

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. operating conditions

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- We must reduce our environmental impact to protect the planet.
- The government is introducing new environmental regulations to lower carbon emissions from local factories.
- The environmental consequences of large-scale deforestation extend far beyond habitat loss, affecting global weather patterns and carbon sequestration rates.

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