non-functional
/ˌnɒnˈfʌŋk.ʃən.əl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːnˈfʌŋk.ʃən.əl/ (ame, ipa)
non-functional — adjective
1. describing a machine, device, or system that has stopped operating, or that does
describing a machine, device, or system that has stopped operating, or that does not behave the way it should.
After the lightning strike, the office printer was completely non-functional.
be non-functional after a triggering event
Zola tried to call for help, but her phone was non-functional in the tunnel.
non-functional + location-based reason
The hotel reported three non-functional elevators and asked guests to use the stairs.
Caio bought the old camera at the flea market knowing the shutter was non-functional.
The team discovered that the warning system had been non-functional for over a month.
- broken
more everyday; works for both small objects and big systems
- out of order
common public sign wording for shared machines like lifts or toilets
- inoperative
formal; common in technical or legal reports
- working
everyday opposite
- operational
formal opposite, often used of large systems
文法句型
non-functional + noun
be non-functional
用法筆記
Subject is usually a machine, device, or technical system. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes something that should work but has failed, while sense 2 describes something that was never meant to serve a real purpose.
常見錯誤
2. describing a part or feature of something that has been added for looks or tradi
describing a part or feature of something that has been added for looks or tradition rather than to do an actual job.
The old castle has several non-functional towers that were built only for decoration.
non-functional + noun (decorative architectural feature)
Lien noticed that the buttons on the cuff of the jacket were non-functional.
non-functional + clothing detail
Many modern cars include non-functional vents on the hood purely for style.
Critics complained that the new museum was full of non-functional spaces wasting valuable floor area.
- decorative
stresses the visual role
- ornamental
more formal; common in design and architecture writing
- functional
designed to perform a real purpose
- practical
useful in real situations, not just for looks
文法句型
non-functional + noun (purely decorative)
用法筆記
Object is usually a part, feature, or space — not a whole device. Often paired with words like 'decorative', 'purely', or 'merely' to stress that the item exists only for show. Distinguish from sense 1, where the item was meant to work but is currently failing.