functionality
Americannoun
plural
functionalities-
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
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.
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
This approach involves replacing several power-consuming components at once with more efficient alternatives to maintain enough warmth and functionality for continued science operations.
From Science Daily • May 4, 2026
"Back button hijacking interferes with the browser's functionality, breaks the expected user journey, and results in user frustration," Google said in its post.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 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
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.
