English Reference
adjective · noun

institutional

adj. · n.
US /ˌɪnstɪˈtuʃənəɫ/ UK /ˌɪnstɪtjˈuːʃənəl/ in·sti·tu·tion·al

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic Politics

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Law

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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

A shipyard worker who carries cargo for a living, he called the earthquake response evidence of Buenaventura's long history of institutional neglect.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

In July, it announced a plan to give Wall Street firms and institutional investors faster access to posts on Truth Social, where Trump frequently makes announcements.

BBC News· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated