What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
functional
Example
The computer is functional again after the technician fixed it. [functional: adjective]
Example
The functional design of the kitchen makes cooking and cleaning easy. [functional: adjective]
Example
She has a functional understanding of Spanish, enough to communicate with native speakers. [functional: noun]
operational
Example
The factory is now operational after months of construction. [operational: adjective]
Example
The airline's operational efficiency has improved since they implemented new procedures. [operational: adjective]
Example
The team is responsible for ensuring the operational success of the project. [operational: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Functional is more commonly used than operational in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between functional and operational?
Both functional and operational can be used in formal and informal contexts, but operational may be more common in technical or business settings.
