adj
Uncommon
defunct
dih-FUHNGKT
Defunct (adj) means No longer existing, operating, or in use. Example: “The magazine has been defunct since the 1990s.”
adj
1
No longer existing, operating, or in use.
"The magazine has been defunct since the 1990s."
"That old law is now defunct."
How to use defunct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDead in the sense of no longer functioning or existing — used for companies, laws, languages, and institutions rather than people.
Common pairings
now defunct
defunct company
defunct language
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- defuncts
- Past tense
- defuncted
- Comparative
- more defunct
- Superlative
- most defunct
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The magazine has been _____ since the 1990s.
Etymology
From Latin dēfunctus, past participle of dēfungor ("to finish, discharge, be done with").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “defunct” mean?
The word “defunct” means no longer existing, operating, or in use. In plain terms, dead in the sense of no longer functioning or existing — used for companies, laws, languages, and institutions rather than people.
How do you pronounce “defunct”?
“Defunct” is pronounced dih-FUHNGKT (/dɪˈfʌŋkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “defunct” in a sentence?
Here is “defunct” used in a sentence: “The magazine has been defunct since the 1990s.”
What part of speech is “defunct”?
“Defunct” is an adjective.
Where does the word “defunct” come from?
The word “defunct” comes from Latin. From Latin dēfunctus, past participle of dēfungor ("to finish, discharge, be done with").
Is “defunct” a common word?
“Defunct” is an uncommon word in modern English.
