functional
adjective
func·tion·al ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl 
-shə-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)-shnə-lē
adverb -shə-nᵊl-ē
Synonyms
- active
- alive
- functioning
- going
- live
- living
- on
- operating
- operational
- operative
- running
- working
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Stylish, functional, and affordable, subway tiles fit the bill for midcentury decor. 
Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2022 Not exactly as romantic, but definitely more functional for a family. Brianna Griff, Chron, 31 July 2022 Under his leadership, the Kohler Company created products that weren't merely functional, but created a joyful, memorable experience for those who used them. Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2022 Øino designed the topsides to be minimalist and highly functional, while throwing in a cool, industrial-chic look. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2022 The Supreme Court is rogue and the Democratic Party is only marginally functional. Sarah Schulman, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022 Mail headers were strictly functional, giving the source box, date, Dialcom system number (for The Source, always 10) and the number of lines in the reply. Cameron Kaiser, Ars Technica, 4 Aug. 2022 Its architecture is aggressively functional and the drive is nearly devoid of memorable views, spanning marshland while connecting the lowest-key of Bay Area communities: Newark and Menlo Park. Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 July 2022 Basic instincts aside, the city flip-flop is functional for those on the go. Michella Oré, Vogue, 27 July 2022 See More
Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2022 Not exactly as romantic, but definitely more functional for a family. Brianna Griff, Chron, 31 July 2022 Under his leadership, the Kohler Company created products that weren't merely functional, but created a joyful, memorable experience for those who used them. Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2022 Øino designed the topsides to be minimalist and highly functional, while throwing in a cool, industrial-chic look. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2022 The Supreme Court is rogue and the Democratic Party is only marginally functional. Sarah Schulman, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022 Mail headers were strictly functional, giving the source box, date, Dialcom system number (for The Source, always 10) and the number of lines in the reply. Cameron Kaiser, Ars Technica, 4 Aug. 2022 Its architecture is aggressively functional and the drive is nearly devoid of memorable views, spanning marshland while connecting the lowest-key of Bay Area communities: Newark and Menlo Park. Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 July 2022 Basic instincts aside, the city flip-flop is functional for those on the go. Michella Oré, Vogue, 27 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing functional
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
functional
adjective
1
as in operational
being in effective operation I don't think that vending machine is functional, so don't put money into it Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- operational
- operating
- operative
- functioning
- active
- running
- working
- on
- going
- operable
- in force
- on line
- live
- in commission
- viable
- living
- effective
- usable
- alive
- useful
- in gear
- into commission
- effectual
- useable
- workable
- employable
- dynamic
- productive
- producing
- performing
- serving
- flourishing
- busy
- thriving
- yielding
- humming
- bustling
- roaring
- astir
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- broken
- inactive
- dead
- nonfunctioning
- inoperative
- nonfunctional
- nonoperative
- useless
- ineffective
- nonoperational
- ineffectual
- nonactivated
- nonoperating
- unusable
- unworkable
- kaput
- inoperable
- kaputt
- inert
- deactivated
- latent
- decommissioned
- lifeless
- unproductive
- idle
- dormant
- sleepy
- arrested
- quiescent
- nonproductive
- fallow
- asleep
- stagnating
- vegetating
2
as in useful
capable of being put to use or account a functional knowledge of auto mechanics Synonyms & Similar Words
- useful
- applicative
- practical
- applicable
- applied
- usable
- pragmatic
- workable
- useable
- practicable
- actionable
- serviceable
- pragmatical
- utilitarian
- working
- functioning
- ultrapractical
- available
- mundane
- operating
- accessible
- operative
- handy
- obtainable
- reachable
- active
- down-to-earth
- all-round
- banausic
- employed
- busy
- all-around
- alive
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- useless
- theoretical
- impractical
- unusable
- abstract
- academic
- theoretic
- unworkable
- impracticable
- inapplicable
- inaccessible
- academical
- unavailable
- unattainable
- nonpractical
- unobtainable
- unsuitable
- unreachable
- armchair
3
as in available
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose a very functional kitchen utensil for peeling potatoes Synonyms & Similar Words
- useful
- available
- usable
- useable
- operable
- practicable
- serviceable
- employable
- exploitable
- relevant
- fit
- feasible
- viable
- workable
- applicable
- reusable
- doable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unavailable
- unusable
- impracticable
- nonfunctional
- unemployable
- inoperable