structural

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Relating to the way something is built or organized, especially a building or system.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: structural damage, structural changes.

   Patterns

   • structural damage
   • structural change
   • structural problem

   The earthquake caused structural damage to the bridge.

   The company made structural changes to improve efficiency.

   Engineers checked the building for structural weaknesses.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Relating to the basic framework or essential parts of something.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: structural inequality, structural reform.

   Patterns

   • structural inequality
   • structural reform

   The report highlighted structural inequality in the education system.

   Structural reform is needed to solve the housing crisis.

Word forms

Common combinations

structural engineer

A structural engineer designed the new stadium.

structural integrity

The structural integrity of the tower was questioned after the storm.

structural adjustment

The government introduced structural adjustment policies to boost the economy.

Synonyms and how they differ

architectural

Architectural relates to the design of buildings, while structural focuses on how they are built and supported.

organizational

Organizational relates to how groups are arranged, while structural can refer to physical frameworks or abstract systems.

Opposites

Word family

structure noun

The arrangement of parts or a building.

structurally adverb

In a way that relates to structure.

structuralism noun

A theory that focuses on structures in language or society.

Commonly confused: structural or structured?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “structural”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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