# transactional

/tɹænsˈækʃənəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/transactional
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing a relationship where people only care about getting what they want, not about being friends or helping each other. It is like a business deal where you only care about the result, not the person.

For teachers: relating to or characterized by a focus on the exchange of goods or services for mutual benefit, without emotional investment or long-term commitment. Often used to describe social interactions that are goal-oriented and utilitarian.

## Examples

- The relationship between the two companies is purely transactional.
- In a highly competitive market, many business partnerships remain transactional, with both sides only interested in the immediate profit.
- Sociologists often distinguish between transactional and relational communication, noting that the former focuses on the exchange of information to complete a task, while the latter builds and maintains social bonds.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.