Functional vs. Operational: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 8, 2023
Functional relates to a system's specific purpose or tasks, while operational refers to the system being in a state of working or performing its duties.
Difference Between Functional and Operational
Functional describes the abilities or attributes that serve a specific purpose in a system. It's akin to describing what something is designed to do. Operational, on the other hand, denotes the state of a system where it is actively doing what it's designed to do. A car may be functional in design, but not operational if it has a dead battery.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
Functional aspects are more about inherent qualities that allow something to fulfill its purpose. Operational qualities are about the real-world execution of those functions. A functional computer could mean it has all the necessary hardware and software; an operational computer means it's currently switched on and running programs.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
Functional attributes often relate to the "can-do" capabilities of a system or process. These might include the features of a software program or the mechanical abilities of a machine. Operational attributes are more focused on whether the system is currently executing those capabilities effectively. A functional airplane has wings, engines, and can theoretically fly; an operational airplane is one that is currently in the air.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Functional doesn't necessarily imply that something is actively doing what it is designed for at the moment. Operational specifically indicates that the system or process is currently in action. A functional smartphone has all the capabilities like calling, texting, and internet browsing, but it becomes operational when it's turned on and in use.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
Functional vs. Operational Comparison Chart
Functional vs. Operational Definitions
◉Functional
Designed to serve a specific purpose.
The functional design of the chair promotes good posture.
Lucas
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Currently in a state of doing its job or task.
The factory is operational after the maintenance.
Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
In working condition.
The functional heater warmed the room quickly.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Ready for combat or military use.
The operational troops are deployed at the border.
Kaitlyn
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Serving a practical utility.
The functional kitchen made cooking easier.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Related to the operations of a business or organization.
The operational budget was approved last month.
Henry
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
(of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing;
in running (or working) order
a functional set of brakes
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Having practical application.
The operational model proved effective in the field.
Lucas
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Designed for or adapted to a particular function or use
functional architecture.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Capable of performing a function; operative
a functional set of brakes.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Able to function personally or socially despite limitations or impairment
A functional alcoholic.
Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Fit for proper functioning; ready for use
an operational aircraft.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Useful; serving a purpose, fulfilling a function
That sculpture is not merely artistic, but also functional: it can be used as a hatrack.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Being in effect or operation
"de facto apartheid still operational even in the 'new' African nations" (Leslie Marmon Silko).
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
(medicine) Of a disease, such that its symptoms cannot be referred to any appreciable lesion or change of structure; opposed to organic disease, in which the organ itself is affected.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
(mathematics) A function that takes a function as its argument; More precisely: A function whose argument varies in a space of (real or complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space. An example is the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Of, relating to, or indicating a mathematical function or functions.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
(Medicine) Involving physiological function rather than anatomical structure.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
Fit or ready for service; available and in working condition; as, an operational aircraft. Opposite of out-of-service.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
of or intended for or involved in military operations. Opposite of nonoperational.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Only for functional purposes, notably in architecture
A functional construction element generally must meet higher technical but lower aesthetical requirements
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
In force; not expired or annulled; - of rules or laws.
de facto apartheid still operational even in the `new' African nations
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
(computing theory) Having semantics defined purely in terms of mathematical functions, without side-effects.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
pertaining to a process or series of actions for achieving a result;
operational difficulties
they assumed their operational positions
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
fit or ready for use or service;
the toaster was still functional even after being dropped
the lawnmower is a bit rusty but still usable
an operational aircraft
the dishwasher is now in working order
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Designed for or capable of a particular function or use; as, a style of writing in which every word is functional; functional architecture.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Fit or ready for use or service; useable; in working order; as, the toaster was still functional even after being dropped; the lawnmower is a bit rusty but still functional. Antonym of out of order and nonfunctional.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Operational
being in effect or operation;
de facto apartheid is still operational even in the `new' African nations
bus service is in operation during the emergency
the company had several operating divisions
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Designed to emphasize practical utility rather than artistic or aesthetic purposes; as, functional education selects knowledge that is concrete and usable rather than abstract and theoretical; functional architecture; an amateurish device, crude but functional.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Relating to or based on function especially as opposed to structure;
The problem now is not a constitutional one; it is a functional one
Delegates elected on a functional rather than a geographical basis
Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
fit or ready for use or service;
the toaster was still functional even after being dropped
the lawnmower is a bit rusty but still usable
an operational aircraft
the dishwasher is now in working order
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
designed for or adapted to a function or use;
functional education selects knowledge that is concrete and usable rather than abstract and theoretical
functional architecture
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Relating to a function in mathematics or computing.
The functional equation was hard to solve.
Henry
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Concerning the psychological functions of human behavior.
The functional approach to psychology is often clinical.
Muneeza Rehman
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
(computing) An object encapsulating a function pointer (or equivalent).
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
Pertaining to the function of an organ or part, or to the functions in general; involving or affecting function rather than physiology; as, functional deafness; a functional disease. See functional disease, below.
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
designed for or capable of a particular function or use;
a style of writing in which every word is functional
functional architecture
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
◉Functional
involving or affecting function rather than physiology;
functional deafness
Muazma Batool
Aug 31, 2023
Functional vs. Operational Frequently Asked Questions
Can something be operational but not functional
No something must be functional i.e., capable of performing tasks to be operational.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
Is functional the same as operational
No functional describes capabilities while operational refers to active execution of those capabilities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
What is an operational approach
An operational approach focuses on the execution and performance of tasks that a system is currently engaged in.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
What is functional
Functional refers to the specific capabilities or features that allow something to perform its designated tasks.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
Can something be functional but not operational
Yes something can be designed to work but may not be currently in use or in working condition.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023
When do we use operational
Operational is used when describing the active state or execution of a system’s functions.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
What is a functional team
A functional team is a group organized around specific tasks or roles.
Kaitlyn
Sep 04, 2023
What is a functional approach
A functional approach focuses on the specific tasks or duties something is designed to perform.
Nolan
Sep 04, 2023
When do we use functional
Functional is used when describing the inherent capabilities or purpose of a system or process.
William
Sep 04, 2023
What is a functional disorder
A functional disorder relates to dysfunction in normal bodily activities but may not have an identifiable physical cause.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
What is a functional test
A functional test evaluates the specific abilities or features of a system.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
What is operational
Operational refers to a state where something is actively performing its designated tasks.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
What is an operational team
An operational team is actively engaged in executing tasks or projects.
Muazma Batool
Sep 04, 2023
What is an operational disorder
Operational disorder isn't a standard term but if used could relate to disruptions in a system’s active execution of tasks.
Leo
Sep 04, 2023
Is functional subjective
Functional can be subjective, depending on how the purpose or capability is defined.
Jonathan
Sep 04, 2023
How to make something functional
To make something functional, ensure it has all the features and capabilities required to perform its designated tasks.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
How to make something operational
To make something operational, ensure it is in a state where it can actively perform its designated tasks.
Kaitlyn
Sep 04, 2023
Is operational subjective
Operational is less subjective as it straightforwardly denotes whether something is in a working state or not.
Elijah
Sep 04, 2023
What is an operational test
An operational test evaluates how well a system performs its tasks under real-world conditions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 04, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
