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 of functional

• 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

Just like Sweeney and Garner’s overalls, this $60 find has the classic look, including adjustable straps with metal hardware, side button closures, and functional front, back, and chest pockets. — Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Within OpenAI’s finance department, led by CFO Sarah Friar, there is a strategic finance team that functions as a cross-functional partner to product, partnerships, engineering, and go-to-market teams. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Busy travel days call for functional, no-fuss shoes that are easy to slip on and off for morning coffee runs and afternoon outings alike, like the airy Dolce Vita Geni Mesh Mules, now 60 percent off. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026

Yet many of those same leaders are busy clinicians navigating patient care, staffing challenges, cross-functional complexity, all while bearing the emotional weight of the work itself. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

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