What does computationally mean?
"Computationally" is an adverb meaning in relation to computation, particularly the kind carried out by computers. It appears most often in scientific and technical writing, where it qualifies how a task relates to computing — whether a process can be performed by calculation, how much processing power it demands, or whether it is feasible at all. The word frequently pairs with evaluative terms: a task may be described as "computationally expensive" if it requires vast resources, "computationally intensive" if it consumes heavy processing, or "computationally infeasible" if no practical amount of computing could accomplish it. In theoretical computer science, it underpins central ideas such as computational complexity. Though firmly technical in register, the word has spread into mainstream science journalism as computing shapes more fields. It derives from Latin roots via "compute", itself from the Latin computare, meaning to reckon or count together.
adverbIn a manner relating to computation, especially by computer; with regard to the amount or complexity of computing resources required.
- With reference to computing processes or the use of computers: performed, treated, or considered by means of calculation.
- With reference to computational cost or complexity: in terms of the amount of processing time, memory, or resources required.
"The problem is computationally expensive, requiring hours of supercomputer time to solve."
"Verifying the proof is computationally trivial once you have the key."
"Training large language models is computationally intensive, demanding thousands of GPUs for weeks."
Say a problem is 'computationally infeasible' and you've declared war on it — no computer on Earth, given the lifetime of the universe, could crack it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of computationally
"Computationally" derives from "computation", which traces back to the Latin computare, meaning "to count or reckon together", formed from com- ("together") and putare ("to reckon"). English adopted "computation" from Latin-derived sources, with the verb "compute" following in the 17th century. The adjective "computational" arose in the 20th century alongside modern computing, and the adverb "computationally" developed from it during the same period, gaining wide currency with the growth of computer science after mid-century.
Related word forms
How computationally is actually used
A technical term used mainly in academic writing, computer science, mathematics, and scientific journalism. It carries a neutral register but often appears in evaluative phrases like 'computationally expensive' or 'computationally infeasible', where it conveys that something is impractical given available resources. Rare outside technical contexts.
Easily confused with computationally
'Computation' is the noun referring to the act or process of calculating, while 'computationally' is the adverb describing how something relates to that process.