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

In the new study, the team wanted to investigate whether screening movies during fMRI scanning could give any insight into how the brain’s functional networks respond to a series of complex audio and visual stimuli. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024

America’s functional absence from climate negotiations marred proceedings for four years. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

There’s a place in your home for cherished ginger jars and beloved heirlooms—but this super functional spot isn’t it. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Like the Artisan and Deluxe series listed below, this one is also made with a functional tilt-head design and comes with the three standard mixer attachments: a wire whisk, a flat beater, and a dough hook. —Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 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