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

• active
• alive
• functioning
• going
• live
• living
• on
• operating
• operational
• operative
• running
• working

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

Its thoughtful design is both stylish and functional. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2024

Its wireless chargers, iPhone cases, and Apple Watch straps are well-made and functional with a stylish aesthetic, albeit a little pricey. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Legitimate websites generally include clear and functional contact information. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Players more likely to head the ball showed abnormalities in the white matter adjacent to the sulci – the grooves in the outer layer of the brain, essential for maximizing the cortical surface area and to separate functional brain regions. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024

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

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