functionality

American  

[fuhngk-shuhn-al-i-tee] / ˌfʌŋk ʃənˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

functionalities

1. the quality of being functional, or being particularly suited to a specific task.

2. the set of functions that something, particularly a computer or piece of software, is designed or expected to perform.

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functionality British  

/ ˌfʌŋkʃənˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being functional

2. computing a function or range of functions in a computer, program, package, etc

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Other Word Forms

• cross-functionality
  noun
• multi-functionality
  noun
• non-functionality
  noun

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

Combining functionality with fashionability, while maintaining Vuori’s sleek silhouettes, simple embellishments and a quiet color palette.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

“We believe that we are strongly positioned to compete and win based on what is now nearly two decades of work on the functionality, characteristics, cost and presentation of plant-based inputs,” he said.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Here, technical precision, functionality and artistic beauty converged in a way that set it apart from earlier astrolabes produced in parts of the Middle East, which might have only been functional.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

With its buttons, chunky receiver and expanding curly cord, it gives a 1990s look with 2020s functionality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

He volunteered to be one of six people in the country to go under the knife for experimental brain surgery that would possibly provide him with a few more years of functionality.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz