nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl How to pronounce nonfunctional (audio)
-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

Examples of nonfunctional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web HOAs are required to stop using potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf or to remove such turf from common areas by the end of 2028. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2024 The Puzzle of Eukaryotic Genomes Because of the introns polka-dotting their DNA, if the genes of eukaryotes were translated directly into proteins, the resulting molecules would typically be nonfunctional garbage. Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2023 Fourteen out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are nonfunctional. Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2023 But Zach Wilson was basically nonfunctional, completing just 12 of 27 passes for 170 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023 Another bill introduced by Friedman, AB 1573, would have prohibited nonfunctional grass at new or renovated non-residential developments, and would have required more native plants for those properties. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023 Functional requirements include artifacts such as user stories, features and epics, while nonfunctional requirements refer to qualities such as performance, security and usability. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 July 2023 In May, California’s State Water Resources Control Board adopted drought rules that similarly outlaw watering of nonfunctional grass. Ian Jamesstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022 Many cities in California have begun aggressive programs to remove nonfunctional turf, and last year Nevada passed a law that requires removal of such lawns by 2026. The Arizona Republic, 10 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonfunctional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonfunctional was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near nonfunctional

Cite this Entry

“Nonfunctional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfunctional. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

nonfunctional

adjective
non·​func·​tion·​al -ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce nonfunctional (audio)
: nonfunctioning
a nonfunctional muscle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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