Structural
ˈstrʌktʃərəl
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.
ˈstrʌktʃərəl
Relating to the way something is built or organized.
The structural flaws in the bridge made it unsafe.
💡 Simply: Imagine a house. The structural parts are the walls, roof, and foundation – the things that keep it standing. Something is 'structural' when it's about those main building blocks.
👶 For kids: When something is structural, it means it's about how things are put together or built, like the bones in your body or the frame of a house.
More Examples
We need to address the structural problems within the organization.
The scientist analyzed the structural components of the cell.
How It's Used
"The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the earthquake."
"Structural engineers analyze buildings, bridges, and other structures."
"Structural unemployment refers to unemployment resulting from a mismatch between the skills of workers and the needs of employers."
Relating to or caused by fundamental aspects of the economy or an industry.
ˈstrʌktʃərəl
Related to or affecting the structure of an economy or industry.
The government implemented structural changes to address the unemployment rate.
💡 Simply: Imagine a company's organization or a whole country's economy. 'Structural' problems or changes involve the basic ways things are set up.
👶 For kids: If something is structural in business or the economy, it means it's a big part of how things work, like how the money moves or how people are employed.
More Examples
Structural inefficiencies in the market led to price fluctuations.
The structural reforms aimed to improve the competitiveness of the industry.
How It's Used
"Structural reforms are needed to boost economic growth."
"The company faced structural challenges because of its hierarchical organization."
From Latin *structura* ('building, construction'), from *struere* ('to build').
Used in architectural and engineering texts since the 19th century, later expanding to social and economic contexts.
Memory tip
Think of the skeleton (structure) of a building or a body.