adj
Common
functioning
Functioning (adj) means working or operating properly. Example: “The old radio is still functioning after all these years.”
adj
1
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."
— Mekado Murphy, 'The Divergent Series: Insurgent' Creates New Worlds (2015)
"The old radio is still functioning after all these years."
"Without a functioning lift, the residents had to use the stairs."
"A functioning economy needs stable banks."
noun
1
The way something works, or the fact that it is working.
"Poor sleep can affect the daily functioning of the brain."
"The engineer checked the smooth functioning of every machine in the factory."
"Doctors monitored the functioning of his kidneys."
How to use functioning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOperating properly, or the manner in which something operates.
Common pairings
normal functioning
day-to-day functioning
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Word forms
- Plural
- functionings
- Comparative
- more functioning
- Superlative
- most functioning
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The old radio is still _____ after all these years.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for functioning
See all rhymes for 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.
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