English Reference
Adjective

generational

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌdʒɛnɝˈeɪʃənəɫ/ UK /dʒˌɛnəɹˈeɪʃənəl/ gen·er·a·tional

adj.relating to the different age groups in a family or society. It describes things that happen between people of different ages or affect a whole group born around the same time.

adj.relating to or characteristic of all the people born and living at about the same time. Often used to describe shifts in behavior, wealth, or values between age cohorts.


SIMPLE

There is a clear generational gap in how people use social media.

CONTEXTUAL

The family business has survived for decades thanks to successful generational shifts in leadership.

COMPLEX

Sociologists often study generational trauma to understand how the experiences of ancestors continue to influence the mental health and social outcomes of their descendants today.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun.

He’s been earmarked as a generational talent since he was a child, played for England in three international tournaments, embedded himself in one of the greatest club teams ever seen.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

However, the evidence also suggests there is a clear generational gap.

BBC News· 18 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated