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institutional

adj. · n.
US //ˌɪnstɪˈtuʃənəɫ// UK //ˌɪnstɪtjˈuːʃənəl// in·sti·tu·tion·al
  1. 1 related to an organization (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    related to a large, important organization like a school, hospital, or government office.

    pertaining to or characteristic of an institution, especially in terms of its structure or official nature.

    Example

    The hospital had a very institutional feel with its white walls and long, quiet hallways.

    Example

    The report highlighted several institutional failures that prevented the different government departments from sharing vital information effectively.

  2. 2 established by a system (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Politics

    describing something that is built into a system or society, rather than just being one person's idea.

    arising from or established by the long-standing practices and rules of an organization or society.

    Example

    The company is trying to change its institutional culture to be more creative.

    Example

    Scholars argue that institutional racism is often harder to combat than individual prejudice because it is embedded in the legal and social framework.

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  1. 3 large-scale investor (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Law

    a large organization, like a bank or insurance company, that invests a lot of money.

    an organization, such as a pension fund or mutual fund, that trades large volumes of securities.

    Example

    The stock price rose quickly after several big institutionals started buying shares.

    Example

    The startup's latest funding round was led by a group of prominent institutionals rather than private venture capitalists.

    Usage

    Often used as a shortened form of 'institutional investor' in financial contexts.

    • institutional investor
    • retail investor

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