nonfunctional

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​al ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl How to pronounce nonfunctional (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lutnick was about to fly to London for a round of trade negotiations with China, whose restrictions on the sale of rare-earth metals were threatening to render parts of the American economy nonfunctional. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 21 July 2025 The puzzle page layout is now so nonfunctional that my paper should come with a magnifying glass and a pad of sticky notes. Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025 Wars in Europe and the Middle East, collusion among autocratic powers, and possible nuclear proliferation in Asia and the Middle East have divided members of the UN Security Council, making the once active body effectively nonfunctional. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2025 Grok remains nonfunctional on X, where it was disabled on Tuesday afternoon following a slew of offensive and abusive posts, including some that mentioned CEO Linda Yaccarino, who resigned the following day without giving a specific reason. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonfunctional

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonfunctional was in 1878

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Cite this Entry

“Nonfunctional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfunctional. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

nonfunctional

adjective
non·​func·​tion·​al -ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce nonfunctional (audio)
: nonfunctioning
a nonfunctional muscle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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