non-functional
non-functional — adjective
1. describes a machine, device, or system that has stopped working or cannot do the
describes a machine, device, or system that has stopped working or cannot do the job it was built to do
Wei's laptop became non-functional after he spilled coffee on the keyboard.
collocation: became non-functional
The fire alarm in Amara's apartment block has been non-functional since a power surge last December.
present perfect: has been non-functional
Three vending machines at the station were non-functional, so Linh walked to a nearby shop for water.
Rohan discovered the office printer was non-functional right before the big meeting.
Imani's washing machine is non-functional, so she took her clothes to the launderette.
- broken
more informal and general; used for anything physically damaged
- faulty
has a specific defect but may still partly work
- inoperative
formal, often used in legal or technical writing
- out of order
common on signs for public equipment like lifts or toilets
- working
more everyday than 'functional'
- operational
formal; used for systems or organisations
用法筆記
Usually describes machines, devices, or mechanical systems. Not used for people or animals.
常見錯誤
2. describes an object or feature that was made only for show and cannot actually b
describes an object or feature that was made only for show and cannot actually be used, like a fake button on a website or a handle that opens nothing
The painted clock face on the old courthouse is non-functional — its hands never move.
non-functional + noun: non-functional clock face
Tomás removed the non-functional narrow shelves — they were too shallow to hold anything larger than a postcard.
Kofi laughed at the non-functional copper pipes on the café wall — they were glued there for an industrial look.
Diego's jacket had several non-functional zippers added for a stylish look.
Hakim discovered the 'live support' button on the hotel's website was non-functional — it was just an image.
- useless
more direct and negative; suggests frustration
- purposeless
more philosophical; often describes abstract things
- decorative
positive framing — something made to look good rather than be useful
- ornamental
similar to decorative but more formal; often used in art and architecture
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (NOT WORKING): here the thing may be physically intact but serves no practical purpose. Often used in design, architecture, or software contexts.