nonfunctionable

Nonfunctionable is an adjective used to describe something that is not performing its intended or expected function. This term is often encountered in technical contexts, particularly in relation to machinery, software, or systems. When an item is described as nonfunctionable, it means it is unable to carry out its designed purpose, either partially or entirely. This state can arise from a variety of causes, including defects in design, manufacturing errors, wear and tear, or damage.

In computing, a nonfunctionable piece of software might be one that crashes repeatedly, produces incorrect results, or fails to launch altogether. For hardware, a nonfunctionable component could be a hard drive that cannot read or write data, or a screen that displays no image. The concept extends beyond physical objects to abstract systems as well. For instance, a nonfunctionable process might be one that has become so inefficient or contains such critical flaws that it no longer serves its original objective.

Identifying something as nonfunctionable is usually the first step in a diagnostic or repair process. It signifies that troubleshooting or replacement is necessary to restore functionality. The degree of nonfunctionability can vary, with some items only exhibiting minor issues while others are completely inoperable. The antonym would be "functionable" or "functional," indicating that something is operating as intended.