functional

adjective

func·​tion·​al ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

a

: of, connected with, or being a function

the functional differences between the departments

b

: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure

functional heart disease

2

: used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole

functional and practical school courses

also : designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use

The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.

3

: performing or able to perform a regular function

The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.

functionally

ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• active
• alive
• functioning
• going
• live
• living
• on
• operating
• operational
• operative
• running
• working

Examples of functional in a Sentence

The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.

The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.

The computer network is fully functional.

Recent Examples on the Web

This piece features two flap side pockets, a pointed lapel collar, two functional buttons on the front, and three ornamental buttons on each sleeve. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2024

Find it on Amazon This Cargo Mini Skirt Inspired by Bella Hadid Take it back to the Y2K era with this cargo mini skirt that has functional pockets and a stretchy fit. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2024

Terri Wide Velvet Round Pouf Ottoman Configuring a functional apartment space can be challenging, especially when deciding on furniture. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024

According to Staub, the unique design has a functional purpose. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing functional

• functional calculus
• functional food
• functional genomics
• functional group
• functional illiterate
• functional magnetic resonance imaging
• functional shift

Kids Definition

functional

adjective

func·​tion·​al ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

a

: of, connected with, or being a function

b

: affecting bodily functions but not structure

functional heart disease

2

: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use

functional clothes

functional writing

3

: performing or able to perform a regular function

functionally

-shnə-lē 

-shən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

functional

adjective

func·​tion·​al ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

1

a

: of, connected with, or being a function compare structural sense 1

b

: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure

functional heart disease

a functional psychosis

compare organic sense 1b

2

: performing or able to perform a regular function

functionally

-ē 

adverb