functionary

noun

func·​tion·​ary ˈfəŋ(k)-shə-ˌner-ē 

plural functionaries

1

: one who serves in a certain function

2

: one holding office in a government or political party

Did you know?

For most of us, being described as a functionary wouldn't be a compliment. The word refers especially to a person of lower rank, with little or no authority, who must carry out someone else's orders. Bureaucrat is often a synonym. However, functionary can also refer to the world beyond government and offices; a character in a play, for example, could be called a functionary if it was obvious that her sole function was to keep the plot moving.

Synonyms

• officeholder
• officer
• official
• public servant

Examples of functionary in a Sentence

He was a party functionary during the political campaign.

spoke to high-ranking functionaries at the embassy in the hopes that they could help

Recent Examples on the Web

MacDowell as first wife Ann is given just one scene to make an impression, as is Benanti as wife No. 2, but both these talented actors come off as more functionary against Keaton than truly three dimensional. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2024

The teenage Reuss became the leader of an empire-wide socialist youth organization and was kicked out of school for attempting to recruit the son of a powerful conservative functionary. —Tomas Weber, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Hot guys could be found among the photographers, foreign journalists, and imposing functionaries of square jaw and evil hair. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Many, but not all, of the pagers and walkie-talkies that unexpectedly blew up over two days across Lebanon and in some neighboring countries were in the possession of Hezbollah fighters, functionaries or allies. —Willem Marx, NPR, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

functionary

noun

func·​tion·​ary ˈfəŋ(k)-shə-ˌner-ē 

plural functionaries

: a person who works for a government or political party