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

• operational
• operating
• operative
• functioning

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

Instead of gathering experts who advocate for their functional perspective and then compromise, AI enables teams where each member can think holistically across functions. —François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

Satchel Crossbody This effortlessly chic crossbody bag will add an elegant flair to any daytime look while also being extremely functional. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025

The functional centerpiece is a six-story staircase, which leads museumgoers past stone monuments and pharaonic statues arranged in reverse chronological order. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025

One group was moved into a new building that lacked adequate lab space, another into a lab that lacked a functional climate control system. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for functional

• junctional
• bifunctional
• dysfunctional
• nonfunctional

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