not functional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not functional" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is not working or not serving its intended purpose. For example, "The printer is not functional at the moment." Alternative expressions include "non-operational," "out of order," and "inoperative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She's not functional.

Independent

Almost not functional.

The New Yorker

You're ornamental, not functional".

The New York Times

"It's not functional," he said.

The New York Times

"These cars are not functional," he said.

The New York Times

"They're not functional," Johnson said, losing interest.

The New Yorker

It is not functional as a musical instrument.

The New York Times

It's there as a premises but it is not functional".

The Guardian

("Anything that is not functional is merely decorative," he declares).

The New York Times - Books

Of the weapons that have been collected, they say, at least 40percentt were not functional.

The New York Times

He added, "It's not functional; it's a luxury item; it's a toy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of machinery or equipment, using "not functional" is a clear and direct way to communicate that it is out of service or broken. Ensure that you provide additional context regarding the reason or expected duration of the problem.

Common error

While "not functional" is widely understood, it might be perceived as too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "inoperative" or "non-operational" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not functional" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is not performing its intended purpose or is not in working order. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not functional" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that isn't working as intended. According to Ludwig AI, it enjoys frequent use across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, though it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While effective, writers should consider the audience and select more formal alternatives like "inoperative" or "non-operational" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of order

Focuses specifically on a temporary state of being unusable, often due to a malfunction.

inoperative

Emphasizes a complete inability to operate, suggesting a more permanent state.

non-operational

A more formal way to say something isn't working, often used in technical contexts.

broken down

Implies something was once functional but has since ceased to work.

defective

Suggests a flaw or imperfection is causing the lack of functionality.

unserviceable

Indicates something is beyond repair or no longer fit for use.

impaired

Highlights a reduced or diminished ability to function correctly.

useless

Emphasizes the lack of value or purpose due to the inability to function.

unfit for purpose

Highlights that something is not suitable for its intended job

kaput

Informal term indicating something has completely ceased functioning

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "not functional"?

Alternatives include "out of order", "inoperative", "non-operational", or "broken down" depending on the specific context.

Is "not functional" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not functional" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English to describe something that is not working or serving its intended purpose.

How can I use "not functional" in a sentence?

You can use "not functional" to describe various objects, systems, or even abstract concepts that are not working as expected. For example: "The printer is "not functional"" or "The committee is "not functional" due to internal conflicts."

What's the difference between "not functional" and "dysfunctional"?

"Not functional" simply means something isn't working. "Dysfunctional" implies that something is not only not working but is also working in a way that is actively harmful or detrimental. A broken machine is "not functional", while a family with severe communication problems might be described as dysfunctional.