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

Names worth tracking Tolu Smith, Pistons: Smith is a pretty mobile defender for a big and showed enough skill as an offensive player to seem functional at the NBA level. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 23 July 2025

The state and its contractors will continue to work with Newport and Covington leaders to identify additional aesthetic and functional features to include in the project, the state press release said. —Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025

These chic, functional updates strike the perfect balance between form and purpose. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025

The feeling that there’s always more to do than hours in the day, the bag is both functional and symbolic. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 22 July 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