functionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "functionally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something which is working effectively or efficiently. For example, "The projector was functioning properly, and was working functionally."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, according to functionalism, necessarily, two creatures who are functionally alike are also mentally alike.

SEP

The processing is performed by a functional mechanism, that is, a mechanism whose components are functionally organized to perform the computation.

SEP

Even the buildings are not immune; around the country 3,200 courthouses are "physically eroded" and "functionally deficient", says the National Centre for State Courts.This affects courts' functioning in many ways.

The Economist

Yellen says when the federal funds rate functionally hit zero, the Fed needed to turn to novel tools, including forward guidance.

The Guardian - Business

One legislator in New Jersey described her state as "functionally bankrupt".

The Economist

If these molecules really were functionally totally identical, Lipitor wouldn't outperform its counterparts in head-to-head tests, Celebrex would have followed Vioxx off the market, and your depressed cousin's psychiatrist wouldn't keep cycling her onto different meds.

The Economist

Matters are little better with white children, who make up a tenth of the Dallas Independent Schools District (DISD): they are three times more likely to be functionally illiterate at the age of ten than their peers in Houston's public schools.

The Economist

Lakewood, Ohio, condemned well-kept historic homes for being "functionally and economically obsolete".

The Economist

America's civil engineers routinely give its transport structures poor marks, rating roads, rails and bridges as deficient or functionally obsolete.

The Economist

But it does suggest the question should be addressed functionally, rather than in the abstract.

The Economist

It found that 22% of British adults are "functionally illiterate"—unable to perform simple tasks like looking up the entry for "plumbers" in the phone book.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "functionally" to specify that something works or exists in effect, even if not perfectly or ideally. For instance, a "functionally obsolete" bridge may still be standing, but requires significant restrictions.

Common error

Avoid using "functionally" when you simply mean "functional". "Functional" describes something capable of performing a task, while "functionally" often implies a degree of effectiveness or equivalence under certain conditions. Consider: "The design is functional" versus "The design is functionally equivalent to a previous model."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "functionally" primarily modifies verbs or adjectives to describe how something operates or its manner of functioning. It emphasizes the practical or effective aspect of an action or state, as shown in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "functionally" correctly describes the manner or effectiveness of something's operation, often implying a practical or conditional equivalence. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage and provides numerous examples. When writing, remember that "functionally" isn't just a synonym for "functional"; it adds nuance about the actual working state or effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effectively

Directly addresses the success of an action or process.

in effect

Emphasizes the practical result or outcome rather than the method.

practically speaking

Focuses on the real-world application and implications.

in practice

Highlights how something works in reality versus theory.

operationally

Relates specifically to the way something operates or is managed.

for all practical purposes

Stresses the lack of significant difference in real-world terms.

virtually

Implies near equivalence or the same outcome.

as a matter of practicality

Highlights the pragmatic aspect and real-world considerations.

in terms of function

Emphasizes the functional aspect of something.

by way of function

Describes the method or purpose of something's operation.

FAQs

How can I use "functionally" in a sentence?

You can use "functionally" to describe how something operates or its effect. For example, "The two systems are "functionally identical"" or "The old equipment is now "functionally obsolete"".

What does "functionally obsolete" mean?

"Functionally obsolete" means something is still working but is outdated or inefficient. It might still perform its basic function, but it does so poorly compared to modern alternatives or has limitations that make it impractical. For example, "The bridge is "functionally obsolete" because it can't handle modern traffic loads".

Are "functional" and "functionally" interchangeable?

No, "functional" is an adjective describing something capable of performing a function, while "functionally" is an adverb describing how something functions or operates. You can describe something as "functional", meaning it works, but describe two systems as "functionally equivalent", meaning they work the same way.

What are some alternatives to using "functionally"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "effectively", "in practice", "operationally", or "virtually". For instance, instead of saying "The two designs are functionally the same", you could say "The two designs are "effectively the same"".