English Reference

Word

methodological

Phoneticsmethod·olog·i·cal

/ˌmɛθədəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/

Definition

adj. relating to the specific methods or rules you use to do a task, especially in science or research.

adj. relating to the system of methods, principles, and rules used in a particular discipline or activity. Often describes the formal structure of a research study or academic inquiry.

Examples

“The scientist found a methodological error in the study.”

“The committee rejected the paper because of several methodological flaws in how the data was collected.”

“A rigorous methodological approach is essential for ensuring that the results of a clinical trial are both reproducible and statistically significant.”

Examples

simple

“The scientist found a methodological error in the study.”

contextual

“The committee rejected the paper because of several methodological flaws in how the data was collected.”

complex

“A rigorous methodological approach is essential for ensuring that the results of a clinical trial are both reproducible and statistically significant.”

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'flaw', 'error', 'approach', or 'framework'.

Real-World Examples

“Several previous studies have attempted to answer this question, but many have had significant methodological limitations.”
Phys.org · 25 Aug 2026
“As findings from longitudinal reports continue to roll in, some experts argue that social media research is, worryingly, in a methodological crisis with existing studies unable to determine true causal effects.”
Smithsonian Magazine · 17 Aug 2026
“The study also noted an increase in interdisciplinarity, methodological sophistication and new agendas focused on sustainability, adaptation, resilience and animal welfare.”
Phys.org · 25 Aug 2026
“James acknowledges that this creates both exciting opportunities and difficult methodological challenges.”
ScienceDaily · 25 Aug 2026

Collocations

appreciation methodologicalmethodological approachmethodological concernmethodological considerationmethodological issuemethodological limitationmethodological problemmethodological reason

Word family

methodologicalAdjectivemethodologyNoun

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/methodological

English Reference