Word
institutional
Relating to large organizations and the established systems and rules that govern them.
Meanings
Relating to an institution or to the formal systems, rules, and routines of a large organization.
Built into a system or organization and affecting how it operates, rather than being the result of individual actions.
Definition
Institutional describes something connected with an institution such as a government, university, hospital, or large company. It often refers to formal structures, rules, and routines that shape how an organization works. It can also describe attitudes or practices that are built into a system rather than caused by one person.
Examples
- The reform failed because institutional procedures slowed every decision to a crawl.
- She argued that the problem was institutional, not the fault of any single employee.
- They faced institutional resistance when they tried to modernize the department’s workflow.
- I struggled to navigate the institutional culture of the university during my first semester.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse institutional with institute and say "institute problems" instead of "institutional problems."
More at C1 level
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- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.