noun

functionary

FUNK-shuh-nair-ee

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Functionary (noun) means an official working within a bureaucracy who has limited authority and mainly carries out set tasks. Example: “A minor functionary stamped the paperwork and sent it on.”

noun

An official working within a bureaucracy who has limited authority and mainly carries out set tasks.

"A minor functionary stamped the paperwork and sent it on."

"Government functionaries processed the visa applications."

"The company employs functionaries to handle routine compliance checks."

disapproving An official criticised for being petty, rigid or unhelpful while following rules without using judgement.

"The petty functionary refused to bend the rule even for an obvious mistake."

"Travellers complained about the unhelpful functionary at the counter."

"He was dismissed as just another faceless functionary blocking progress."

How to use functionary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA functionary is a low-level official who mainly follows procedure rather than making decisions.

When to use it

The word often carries a critical tone, suggesting someone who is rigid or unhelpfully rule-bound.

Memory tip

Notice the tone of the sentence: functionary can be neutral, but it is frequently used to criticise an unhelpful official.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

minor functionary government functionary petty functionary faceless functionary

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “functionary” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A minor _____ stamped the paperwork and sent it on.

Etymology

The word comes from the French fonctionnaire, and its spelling can also be read as function plus the suffix -ary.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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official bureaucrat administrator apparatchik

Related words

office political minister official director officer rule manager

Rhymes for functionary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary apiary canary salary binary ossuary January

See all rhymes for functionary →

Frequently asked questions

What does functionary mean?

It means an official, usually in government or a large organisation, who holds limited authority and carries out set duties.

Is functionary a negative word?

It can be neutral, but it is often used critically to describe an official seen as petty or unhelpfully rigid.

Is a functionary the same as a bureaucrat?

The terms overlap closely; functionary usually stresses someone carrying out a narrow, low-discretion role within a bureaucracy.

What is the meaning of functionary?

"functionary" (noun) means an official working within a bureaucracy who has limited authority and mainly carries out set tasks.

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office political minister official director officer rule manager