Word
structural
Phoneticsstruc·tural
US/ˈstɹəktʃɝəɫ/
UK/stɹˈʌktʃəɹəl/
Definitions
01physical construction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. relating to the physical parts that hold a building or object together.
adj. relating to the physical framework or load-bearing components of a construction.
“The earthquake caused serious structural damage to the old bridge.”
“The engineer identified several structural flaws in the foundation that would require immediate reinforcement to prevent a total collapse.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02systems and organization
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. relating to the way a system, organization, or society is organized.
adj. relating to the underlying organization or essential framework of a system, society, or economy.
“The company needs structural changes to improve how different departments work together.”
“Economists argue that the country's high unemployment rate is a structural issue rather than a temporary result of the recent recession.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03construction steel
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical
n. strong pieces of metal used to build the frame of a building.
n. refers to structural steel or other load-bearing components used in the construction industry.
“The crane lifted the heavy structurals into place for the new skyscraper.”
“The procurement officer ordered several tons of high-grade structurals to ensure the project met the new safety regulations.”
Usage
Usually used as a collective noun in the construction trade.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “structural” in context.
Adjective
01. structural challenge
“The country faces a major structural challenge as it attempts to modernize its aging energy grid.”
adj + noun
02. structural changes
03. structural damage
04. appreciation structural
Real-World Examples
“He told residents to check their buildings for structural damage.” “In this absorbing, engaging 7+ scientific handbook, structural engineer Agrawal investigates the physics of materials via seven hands-on challenges.” Etymology
From structure + -al, 19th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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