operationalism

1 of 2

noun (1)

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al·​ism ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce operationalism (audio)
: a view that the concepts or terms used in nonanalytic scientific statements must be definable in terms of identifiable and repeatable operations
operationalist
ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nə-list How to pronounce operationalism (audio)
noun
operationalistic
ˌä-pə-ˌrā-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce operationalism (audio)
adjective

operationalist

2 of 2

noun (2)

op·​er·​a·​tion·​al·​ist -ᵊlə̇st How to pronounce operationalist (audio)
-əl-
plural -s
: an advocate or adherent of operationalism

Examples of operationalism in a Sentence

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Noun
Other philosophers found this way of thinking — known as operationalism — an intellectual cop‐out. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

operational + -ism

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operationalism was in 1930

Rhymes for operationalism

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Cite this Entry

“Operationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operationalism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on operationalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operationalism

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