What does "functional" mean?
A function that takes a function as its argument; more precisely, a function whose argument varies in a space of (real or complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space.
Functional
/ˈfʌŋkt͡ʃənəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A function that takes a function as its argument; more precisely, a function whose argument varies in a space of (real or complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space.
- Grammar: functional is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: able to work, acting, action related, actions.
- Useful contrasts: dysfunctional, non-functional, nonfunctional.
- Usage evidence: Rows of houses, each of them different and pleasing with their spacious gardens, are replaced by purely functional blocks of flats which have nothing more to commend them than over-praised 'modern conveniences'.
How to use "functional"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "functional" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "functional" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "functional" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "functional" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "functional" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "able to work" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "functional", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A function that takes a function as its argument; more precisely, a function whose argument varies in a space of (real or complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space.
"An example of a functional is the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval."
- 2 A scalar-valued linear function on a vector space.
- 3 An object encapsulating a function pointer (or equivalent).
Adjective
- 1 In good working order.
"While we assume that phonological subsyllabic units are functional prior to reading skill, we have not ruled out a possible interaction with the writing system."
- 2 Useful; serving a purpose, fulfilling a function.
"That sculpture is not merely artistic, but also functional: it can be used as a hatrack."
- 3 Only for functional purposes, notably in architecture.
"A functional construction element generally must meet higher technical but lower aesthetical requirements."
- 4 Of or relating to one's role or office; official.
"functional responsibilities"
- 5 Characterizing functioning in environment, being symptoms that do not presuppose alteration of organic structure.
"The clinical differentiation between functional and organic disease is at times difficult to establish, because, presumptively, in the beginning, at least, all organic disease is preceded by a physiologic perversion, that is, functional alteration, which may or may not be apparent with our present diagnostic limitations. […] Though benign rhythmic disturbances, such as premature contractions or paroxysmal tachycardia, do occur, it is notoriously difficult and still the subject of argument whether these may be called functionally benign or whether they may prove to have organic significance. […] The lack of opportunity for the medical student to observe the functional states in the medical school clinics and hospital practice, because of lack of space, or interest in their care in intramural teaching, is, I believe, a most forceful argument for a period of extramural practice under intelligent tutelage."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Optimized for all-around physiological benefit.
"functional coffee"
- 7 Of or relating to a function or functions.
- 8 Having semantics defined purely in terms of mathematical functions, without side-effects.
Adjective
- 1 designed for or capable of a particular function or use wordnet
- 2 (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing wordnet
- 3 involving or affecting function rather than physiology wordnet
- 4 designed for or adapted to a function or use wordnet
- 5 fit or ready for use or service wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 relating to or based on function especially as opposed to structure wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Rows of houses, each of them different and pleasing with their spacious gardens, are replaced by purely functional blocks of flats which have nothing more to commend them than over-praised 'modern conveniences'."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "functional"?
Common synonyms include: able to work, acting, action related, actions, activated, active.
How do you use "functional" in a sentence?
Rows of houses, each of them different and pleasing with their spacious gardens, are replaced by purely functional blocks of flats which have nothing more to commend them than over-praised 'modern conveniences'.
How do you pronounce "functional"?
Pronounced /ˈfʌŋkt͡ʃənəl/.
Etymology
From function + -al.