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

This evaluation focuses on mapping out the legal compliance requirements, the physical engineering adjustments, and the financial structures needed to make these mobile energy stations functional. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026

Misiewicz has oversight for sales operations, cross-functional initiatives and field support programs that will strengthen partnerships with retailer nationwide. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 June 2026

Cross-functional teams need a common understanding of how the business operates, so that people, agents and decisions all reference the same operational reality. —Dave Grow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

The plastic used is not strong enough and the printer is not accurate enough to print a functional barrel or any of the components to fire the bullet. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 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