defunct

American  

[dih-fuhngkt] / dɪˈfʌŋkt /

adjective

1. no longer in effect or use; not operating or functioning.

   a defunct law; a defunct organization.

2. no longer in existence; dead; extinct.

   a defunct person; a defunct tribe of Indians.

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noun

1. the defunct, the dead person referred to.

   the survivors of the defunct.

defunct British  

/ dɪˈfʌŋkt /

adjective

1. no longer living; dead or extinct

2. no longer operative or valid

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Other Word Forms

• defunctive adjective
• defunctness noun
• nondefunct adjective

Etymology

Origin of defunct

1540–50; < Latin dēfunctus discharged, dead (past participle of dēfungī ), equivalent to dē- de- + functus performed; function

Example Sentences

NGN -- publisher of tabloids The Sun and the now defunct News of the World -- agreed to pay him "substantial damages" in January 2025 after admitting intruding into his private life, including by hacking his phone.

From Barron's

That day was also celebrated as May Day in the now defunct Soviet Union with parades in Red Square.

From The Wall Street Journal

His mercurial talent would be nurtured by the 1986 World Champion Joe Johnson, from neighbouring Bradford, at a now defunct club in the north Leeds suburb of Yeadon, a few miles from their home.

From BBC

They also contributed to the bankruptcy of Takata, which is now defunct.

From The Wall Street Journal

The now defunct News of the World newspaper then published an article with confidential details about the case falling apart and Jenny said her fear turned to anger.

From BBC

Related Words

• nonexistent
• obsolete
• vanished