English · Word Candidate

instructional

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: instructionals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Intended for purposes of instruction, for teaching.

Adjective

Examples

The manual might have been instructional had anybody actually taken the time to read it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Relating to the teaching profession.

Adjective

Examples

There are 33 instructional resignations tonight, double the amount at this time last year.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A book, film, etc. intended to instruct.

Noun

Examples

On legitimate days off, during the summer, Klam received poolside instructionals in monied femininity from Marcia and her three sisters — “the Jewish Gang of Four.”

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “instructional” mean?

Intended for purposes of instruction, for teaching.

Is “instructional” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.