nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

: not functional: such as

a

: having no function : serving or performing no useful purpose

Naive art … tends to be decorative and nonfunctional.

—Robert Atkins

b

: not performing or able to perform a regular function

… the entire network is rendered nonfunctional if the central controller fails.

—Charles Feltman

nonfunctionally adverb

Synonyms

• down
• inoperable
• inoperative
• kaput
• kaputt
• malfunctioning
• nonfunctioning
• nonoperating

Examples of nonfunctional in a Sentence

that gas pump is nonfunctional, which is the reason for the plastic bag over the nozzle

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo: Max Burkhalter The Brooklyn home of designer Ellen Van Dusen shows that even a nonfunctional fireplace can be on fire, figuratively speaking. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

The shop has been closed since at least 2022 and the roasting business now appears dormant, its website nonfunctional. —Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024

The taste buds for sweet, bitter, sour, and umami have become nonfunctional, leaving only the receptors to identify the taste of salt. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024

The other three showed nothing and were likely nonfunctional, according to Kramer. —Mark Harris, WIRED, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al -ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

: nonfunctioning

a nonfunctional muscle