English Reference

Word

organizational

Phoneticsor·ga·ni·za·tion·al, stress on the fourth syllable

/ˌɔɹɡənəˈzeɪʃənəɫ/

UK spelling · organisational

Definitions

01relating to a company or group

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

adj. relating to the way a company, group, or institution is structured and managed.

adj. pertaining to the structure, hierarchy, or internal processes of an organization.

“The company is making some organizational changes to improve how teams work together.”

“The merger necessitated a complete overhaul of the organizational structure to eliminate redundant management layers and streamline communication.”

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

02relating to planning and order

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. relating to the ability to plan things and keep them in order.

adj. relating to the systematic planning and coordination of activities or resources.

“She has excellent organizational skills and never misses a deadline.”

“Effective organizational strategies are essential when managing a project with multiple stakeholders and a limited budget.”

Usage

Commonly collocates with 'skills', 'abilities', or 'strategies'.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “organizational” in context.

Adjective

01. organisational challenge

“Merging the two departments presented a significant organisational challenge for the management team.”

adj + noun

Real-World Examples

“Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian “Organisational failings were identified in more than 40% of deaths reviewed last year, showing the way the NHS just isn’t designed to work for people with a learning disability.”
The Guardian 17 Aug 2026
“It’s not just his quality that will be missed; his organisational abilities will be too.”
The Guardian 17 Aug 2026
“If your normal schedule includes working Saturdays, your company cannot force you to work on Saturday August 15th unless there are justified organisational or force majeure reasons.”
The Local 13 Aug 2026

Etymology

From organization + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

organizational(C1)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference