functional

func·tion·al

adjective \ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\

Definition of FUNCTIONAL

1

a : of, connected with, or being a function

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

3

: performing or able to perform a regular function

— func·tion·al·ly \ˈfəŋ(k)-shnə-lē, -shə-n^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of FUNCTIONAL

1. They worked outside, so they preferred wearing functional clothes.
2. The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.
3. The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.
4. The computer network is fully functional.

First Known Use of FUNCTIONAL

1631

Related to FUNCTIONAL

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

broken, dead, inactive, inoperative, kaput (also kaputt), nonactivated, nonfunctional, nonfunctioning, nonoperating, nonoperational, nonoperative

Related Words

effective, effectual; employable, operable, usable (also useable), viable, workable; performing, producing, productive, serving, useful, yielding; astir, bustling, busy, dynamic, flourishing, humming, roaring, thriving

Near Antonyms

deactivated, decommissioned; ineffective, ineffectual, useless; inoperable, unusable, unworkable; arrested, asleep, dormant, fallow, idle, inert, latent, lifeless, nonproductive, quiescent, sleepy, stagnating, unproductive, vegetating

func·tion·al

adjective \ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FUNCTIONAL

1

a : of, connected with, or being a function—compare structural 1 b : affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure <functional heart disease> <a functional psychosis>—compare organic 1b

2

: performing or able to perform a regular function

—func·tion·al·ly \-ē\ (audio pronunciation) adverb