nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl 

-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

Synonyms

• malfunctioning
• nonfunctioning
• broken
• down
• useless
• inoperable
• inoperative

Examples of nonfunctional in a Sentence

that gas pump is nonfunctional, which is the reason for the plastic bag over the nozzle

Recent Examples on the Web

There was one nonfunctional small reach-in refrigerator next to the griddle. —Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Those charges include four counts each of counterfeiting−delivery/possession of property and knowingly selling counterfeit, nonfunctional or noncompliant supplemental restraint systems. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025

In Sudan, 70 percent of health facilities are nonfunctional. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

When heading out to look for lamps, take a lightbulb along to test them in-store, but also consider rewiring nonfunctional pieces. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonfunctional

• bifunctional
• dysfunctional
• functional
• junctional

Medical Definition

nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al -ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

: nonfunctioning

a nonfunctional muscle