functioning
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for functioning, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Working or operating properly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
in working order
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Working or operating properly.
“The other factions believe that those who are Factionless are nomads and outcasts. But they are actually a fully functioning community.”
Opposites
2. noun
The way something works, or the fact that it is working.
“Poor sleep can affect the daily functioning of the brain.”
How to use functioning
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
normal functioning
day-to-day functioning
Frequently asked questions
What does “functioning” mean?
The word “functioning” means working or operating properly. In plain terms, operating properly, or the manner in which something operates.
How do you use “functioning” in a sentence?
Here is “functioning” used in a sentence: “A functioning economy needs stable banks.”
What part of speech is “functioning”?
Depending on how it is used, “functioning” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “functioning” a common word?
“Functioning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “functioning” have?
“Functioning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: working or operating properly.
What is the difference between functioning and functional?
Functioning describes something that is actually working or operating at the moment, while functional often means something is designed to work or is capable of working. A functional machine may be switched off; a functioning machine is running properly.
Can functioning be used as a noun?
Yes. As a noun, functioning refers to the way something works or the fact that it is working, as in "the functioning of the immune system." This use is common in scientific, medical, and technical writing.
