defunct
Defunct (adj) means No longer existing, operating, or in use. Example: “The magazine has been defunct since the 1990s.”
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.
Word forms
more defunct comparative, defuncted past tense, defuncts singular, most defunct superlative
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").
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.