functionality
Americannoun
-
the quality of being functional, or being particularly suited to a specific task.
-
the set of functions that something, particularly a computer or piece of software, is designed or expected to perform.
noun
-
the quality of being functional
-
computing a function or range of functions in a computer, program, package, etc
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Explanation
The functionality of something is its usefulness, or how well it does the job it's meant to do. You might question the functionality of your new smartphone if you can't get it to send simple text messages. The noun functionality is often used to talk about technology and the new things it's capable of: "The functionality of the new computer model is incredible!" But you can also use it in a general way, to mean "practicality" or "capability." So you might admire the functionality of your neighbor's very basic, simple backyard grill (as opposed to your fancy gas model), which works perfectly well to cook hamburgers.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“Today’s ultraluxury buyer is more focused on ease, functionality, quality, and long-term value, and is not just star-struck,” she says.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 3, 2026
"We are uniquely positioned to offer delight, functionality and affordability," Filosa said in a statement, adding that "We have everything we need to deliver our FaSTLAne 2030 ambitions."
From Barron's ● May 21, 2026
Until 2022, Karpathy led a team at Tesla overseeing the functionality of its advanced driver-assistance system, Autopilot.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026
“You’re able to have functionality, transformability and still be very cool.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026
Emotion, functionality and the everyday experience of music: Where does music education fit?
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
The government will also look at restrictions on some functionalities on social media, such as infinite scroll and curfews, for 16 and 17-year-olds.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
Downdetector data showed, though users continued to report issues with some functionalities.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
OpenAI is discontinuing its Sora video platform app and other video functionalities as part of a strategic shift.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026
Google instead wants to blitz you with buggy new gizmos whose basic functionalities lack everything that made Google an empire, a verb, a dependable custodian of the information superhighway.
From Slate ● May 16, 2024
A wide variety of solvents, solutes and particles can be used to create the desired structures, shapes and functionalities.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 25, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
