functional

/ˈfʌŋkʃɪnəl/

/ˈfʌŋkʃənəl/

Use the adjective functional to describe something that is made to do a specific job, such as the functional alarm clock feature on a digital stopwatch.

The word functional comes from the Latin word functionem, meaning "performance, execution." It can also describe whether something is working properly. This is what shoppers at a garage sale want to be sure of before they leave with an old television — they plug it in to make sure it's functional. In this case the opposite of functional is useless.

Definitions of functional

1. adjective

   designed for or capable of a particular function or use
   “a style of writing in which every word is functional”

   “functional architecture”

   synonyms:

   structural

   affecting or involved in structure or construction

   useful, utilitarian

   having a useful function

   serviceable

   ready for service or able to give long service

   antonyms:

   nonfunctional

   not having or performing a function

   nonstructural

   not structural

   cosmetic, decorative, ornamental

   serving an aesthetic rather than a useful purpose

   unserviceable

   not ready for service
2. adjective

   designed for or adapted to a function or use
   “functional education selects knowledge that is concrete and usable rather than abstract and theoretical”

   “functional architecture”

   synonyms:

   practical

   concerned with actual use or practice
3. adjective

   fit or ready for use or service
   “the toaster was still functional even after being dropped”

   synonyms: operable, operational, usable, useable

   serviceable

   ready for service or able to give long service
4. adjective

   (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
   “a functional set of brakes”

   synonyms: operative, running, working

   functioning

   performing or able to perform its regular function
5. adjective

   relating to or based on function especially as opposed to structure
   “it is a functional one”

   “delegates elected on a functional rather than a geographical basis”
6. adjective

   involving or affecting function rather than physiology
   “functional deafness”

   antonyms:

   organic

   involving or affecting physiology or bodily organs