functionary

noun

func·​tion·​ary ˈfəŋ(k)-shə-ˌner-ē 

plural functionaries

1

: one who serves in a certain function

2

: one holding office in a government or political party

Did you know?

For most of us, being described as a functionary wouldn't be a compliment. The word refers especially to a person of lower rank, with little or no authority, who must carry out someone else's orders. Bureaucrat is often a synonym. However, functionary can also refer to the world beyond government and offices; a character in a play, for example, could be called a functionary if it was obvious that her sole function was to keep the plot moving.

Synonyms

• officeholder
• officer
• official
• public servant

Examples of functionary in a Sentence

He was a party functionary during the political campaign.

spoke to high-ranking functionaries at the embassy in the hopes that they could help

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine a judiciary more fully stocked with people loyal to Trump’s politics, working alongside a government bureaucracy rebuilt to accommodate more political functionaries. —Philip Bump, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

One other thing: The functionary pushing to give industry more freedom to pollute was Reagan’s Environmental Protection Agency administrator, the late Anne Gorsuch. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024

Government functionaries, including the lawyers sitting on the court, seem to have little idea how businesses look at things. —John Seiler, Orange County Register, 26 June 2024

For hours, reporters ignore the chamber and it’s left to tourists, government functionaries, and, of course, whoever happens to be speaking. —Ben Jacobs, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

functionary

noun

func·​tion·​ary ˈfəŋ(k)-shə-ˌner-ē 

plural functionaries

: a person who works for a government or political party