functionality
Americannoun
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the quality of being functional, or being particularly suited to a specific task.
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the set of functions that something, particularly a computer or piece of software, is designed or expected to perform.
noun
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the quality of being functional
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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:
AI companies are placing a variety of bets on the future form and functionality of AI-powered devices.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
“The chef-inspired designer kitchen seamlessly blends functionality and style with quartz countertops, high-end appliances, and center-island seating, opening effortlessly to the dining area and corner window views that frame the horizon,” the listing continued.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 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
It’s been derided as unwieldy and ugly and unable to match other pickups in basic functionality.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2026
Emotion, functionality and the everyday experience of music: Where does music education fit?
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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
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
This has prompted researchers to distribute the functionalities of quantum computers among distinct separate building blocks, in an effort to reduce error rates, and harness complementary advantages from their constituents.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 20, 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.
