functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
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.
Synonyms
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
However, no voting machines were not working; all were functional and counting votes — just slowly.
—
Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
The Mustang was developed to be athletic and functional at a price point that would seal the deal.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
What will be key to success is executives who are leading any functional or business organization collaborating amongst themselves and with their technology partners to envision and create use cases that will grow their businesses.
—Billee Howard, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Types There are two categories of gastrointestinal diseases: functional and structural diseases.4
Functional GI diseases affect how the digestive tract works but do not leave any physical signs of disease on the organs.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional 
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Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
The Mustang was developed to be athletic and functional at a price point that would seal the deal.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024
What will be key to success is executives who are leading any functional or business organization collaborating amongst themselves and with their technology partners to envision and create use cases that will grow their businesses.
—Billee Howard, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Types There are two categories of gastrointestinal diseases: functional and structural diseases.4
Functional GI diseases affect how the digestive tract works but do not leave any physical signs of disease on the organs.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional
Dictionary Entries Near functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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