Word
functional
Meanings
Working properly and able to be used for its intended purpose.
Designed to be practical and useful rather than mainly decorative.
Definition
Working properly and intended to be practical rather than decorative.
Functional describes something that works and does what it is designed to do. It often contrasts with things that are mainly decorative or stylish. In design and everyday life, it suggests practicality, usefulness, and efficiency.
Examples
- The renovated studio is small, but it is highly functional, with storage built into every corner.
- After the storm, they checked whether the backup generator was still functional before night fell.
- She chose a functional coat that could handle rain and wind without looking bulky.
- I need a functional workflow, not a complicated system that slows my team down.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use functional to mean “operating” in all contexts, but it can also mean “practical rather than decorative,” so choose the meaning that fits the situation.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.