structural
adj. · n.-
1 physical construction (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediaterelating to the physical parts that hold a building or object together.
relating to the physical framework or load-bearing components of a construction.
ExampleThe earthquake caused serious structural damage to the old bridge.
ExampleThe engineer identified several structural flaws in the foundation that would require immediate reinforcement to prevent a total collapse.
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2 systems and organization (adj.) C1 Advanced Academicrelating to the way a system, organization, or society is organized.
relating to the underlying organization or essential framework of a system, society, or economy.
ExampleThe company needs structural changes to improve how different departments work together.
ExampleEconomists argue that the country's high unemployment rate is a structural issue rather than a temporary result of the recent recession.
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3 construction steel (n.) C2 Proficiency Technicalstrong pieces of metal used to build the frame of a building.
refers to structural steel or other load-bearing components used in the construction industry.
ExampleThe crane lifted the heavy structurals into place for the new skyscraper.
ExampleThe procurement officer ordered several tons of high-grade structurals to ensure the project met the new safety regulations.
UsageUsually used as a collective noun in the construction trade.
From structure + -al, 19th century.
- Adjectivestructural
- Adverbstructurally