nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

: not functional: such as

a

: having no function : serving or performing no useful purpose

Naive art … tends to be decorative and nonfunctional.

—Robert Atkins

b

: not performing or able to perform a regular function

… the entire network is rendered nonfunctional if the central controller fails.

—Charles Feltman

nonfunctionally adverb

Synonyms

• down
• inoperable
• inoperative
• kaput
• kaputt
• malfunctioning
• nonfunctioning
• nonoperating

Examples of nonfunctional in a Sentence

that gas pump is nonfunctional, which is the reason for the plastic bag over the nozzle

Recent Examples on the Web

The United Nations reports that more than 60 percent of homes have been destroyed and 95 percent of hospitals are nonfunctional. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025

At least as of right now, the Audible app on her phone remains nonfunctional for reasons that are beyond me, but with luck—and a bit of ongoing care and maintenance for the server in the closet where this stuff all lives now—neither of us will ever have to deal with that app again. —Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025

Lawmakers last year banned the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plants and artificial turf on most commercial, industrial and state government property. —Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025

Trump curbed the options available to foreigners planning to enter the U.S. by making the CBP One app nonfunctional on Inauguration Day. —Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonfunctional

• bifunctional
• dysfunctional
• functional
• junctional

Medical Definition

nonfunctional

adjective

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

: nonfunctioning

a nonfunctional muscle