functionality
Americannoun
-
functionalities
plural
-
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:
There’s no doubt that measuring mechanical functionality and discerning historical fidelity have become critical components of the conversation.
From Slate ● Sep. 16, 2026
At the same time, it combines structural whiteness with water-management functionality without titanium dioxide and without PFAS.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026
"Your "backup" bank does not have the functionality you state it does. I can't make bank transfers right now," said another, external.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
“That solution includes important security and risk-management functionality, which is top of mind for executives given the capabilities of new AI models like Mythos,” he noted.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 2, 2026
Emotion, functionality and the everyday experience of music: Where does music education fit?
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Another scenario would be that the partnership leads customers to unlock new functionalities and value from Salesforce’s data.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 11, 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
Under the new rules, the pre-installed app must be "readily visible and accessible" to users when they set up a device and its functionalities cannot be disabled or restricted.
From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2025
Alibaba also introduced an AI chat assistant for its Quark app, integrating dialogue and search functionalities.
From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2025
Consequently, products with advanced functionalities will reach the market faster than what has been previously possible.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 1, 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.
