C1adjective3K

Ecological

UK /["/ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/"]/US /["/ˌiːkəˈlɑːdʒɪkl/"]/

Definition

connected with the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment

In simple words: Related to the environment and how living things interact with each other and their surroundings.

Examples

  • We risk upsetting the ecological balance of the area.
  • an ecological disaster *(= one that alters the whole balance of in an area)*
  • the ecological movement

Usage notes

Use 'ecological' when discussing environmental issues, conservation, or natural sciences. Avoid in casual conversation unless the topic is specifically about the environment.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'eco' like ecology - they both start with 'eco', which relates to nature.

Collocations

  • ecological balance
  • ecological system
  • ecological impact
  • ecological footprint
  • ecological conservation

Synonyms

  • environmental
  • biological
  • natural
  • ecologic
  • green

Antonyms

  • artificial
  • unrelated

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'economic', which relates to finance rather than the environment.
  • Sometimes used incorrectly to mean 'eco-friendly' or 'green'.
  • Omitting context; 'ecological' should be used in contexts related to ecosystems.