functionalism

1 of 3

noun (1)

func·​tion·​al·​ism ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: a late 19th century to early 20th century American school of psychology concerned especially with how the mind functions to adapt the individual to the environment compare structuralism sense 1

2

: a philosophy of design (as in architecture) holding that form should be adapted to use, material, and structure

3

: a theory that stresses the interdependence of the patterns and institutions of a society and their interaction in maintaining cultural and social unity

4

: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes practical utility or functional relations

functionalist

ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nə-list 

noun

functionalist adjective

or functionalistic

ˌfən(k)-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik 

functionalist

2 of 3

noun (2)

func·​tion·​al·​ist -shənᵊlə̇st 

-shnəl-

plural -s

: one who advocates or employs functionalism

functionalist

3 of 3

adjective

"

variants or functionalistic

¦fəŋ(k)shənᵊl¦istik 

-shnə¦li-

: of or relating to functionalism (as in architecture or sociology)

the functionalist theory of mind

Examples of functionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In junkspace, Koolhaas argues, formal strategies associated with modern art and design—abstraction, functionalism, fragmentation, radical juxtaposition—are hastily and unceremoniously redeployed in the ordinary language of commerce. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

The idea of functionalism was Putnam’s response to the fashionable theories of the time about how to understand mental states, such as thoughts, feelings, judgments, and beliefs. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Additionally, young architects in particular felt that modernism represented little more than an aesthetic language, and sought to create structures rooted in functionalism and monumental expression. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 2 Mar. 2026

Computational functionalism takes as its starting point the idea that consciousness is essentially a kind of software running on the hardware of what could be a brain or a computer—the theory is completely agnostic. — Michael Pollan, Wired News, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

functionalist from functionalist; functionalistic from functionalist entry 1 + -ic

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for functionalism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism