operant
1 of 2adjective
op·er·ant ˈä-pə-rənt 
1
: functioning or tending to produce effects : effective
an operant conscience
2
: of or relating to the observable or measurable
3
: of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning
operant behavior
operantly adverb
operant
2 of 2noun
: behavior (such as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Susan Orlean, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2022 As such, mobile games have developed into monsters psychologically tuned to rip thousands out of players vulnerable enough to be operant conditioned into a game addiction. Clem Chambers, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021
Adjective
Bradfield probably could have parlayed that success into some sort of cushy position with Burnett, but his operant mode was reinvention. Susan Orlean, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2022 As such, mobile games have developed into monsters psychologically tuned to rip thousands out of players vulnerable enough to be operant conditioned into a game addiction. Clem Chambers, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin operant-, operans, present participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious, effect, produce" — more at operate
Noun
derivative of operant entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1937, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing operant
Medical Definition
operant 1 of 2
adjective
op·er·ant ˈäp-ə-rənt
: of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning
operant behavior
compare respondent operant
2 of 2noun
: behavior (as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects
operant
adjective
as in efficacious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- efficacious
- efficient
- effectual
- expedient
- effective
- beneficial
- ultraefficient
- successful
- profitable
- worthwhile
- availing
- useful
- helpful
- productive
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- inefficient
- ineffective
- counterproductive
- ineffectual
- inexpedient
- unsuccessful
- nonproductive
- inefficacious
- unprofitable
- worthless
- feckless
- useless
- unavailing
- futile
- unproductive
- abortive
- pointless
- fruitless
- hamstrung
- profitless
- bootless