functioning

American  

[fuhngk-shuh-ning] / ˈfʌŋk ʃə nɪŋ /

adjective

1. performing a specified action or activity; working; operating.

   My son has only one functioning kidney.

2. (of a person with addiction or other illness or disability) able to cope with everyday life, as at home or at work: functioning diabetics.

   a functioning alcoholic with a successful career;

   functioning diabetics.

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Etymology

Origin of functioning

First recorded in 1835–40; in 1970–75 functioning for def. 2; function ( def. ) (in the sense “to perform an action”) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that is functioning is working — doing what it's supposed to do. A functioning refrigerator keeps your food cold. A functioning television shows a clear picture. A functioning group gets things done in an orderly and timely fashion. A function is the purpose that something is made for. A flashlight's function is to light up. But if it's not functioning, or working properly, you might need to change its batteries or buy a new one. If your car can get you from point A to point B but the engine sounds like it's going to die any minute, you might say that it is "barely functioning." Sometimes people use the word functional to mean the thing as functioning.

Example Sentences

The long-term aim at Creg y Cowin is to create a functioning ecosystem that balances environmental and agricultural needs.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

The story has already served its purpose for Pratt, functioning exactly as a reality TV storyline is supposed to.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

“Plenty of functioning cities enforce their laws,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

It may also be tied to social behavior and difficulties in social functioning.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Its single functioning arm flailed wildly while its tail and legs thrashed about.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

• functional
• working