functioning

[fuhngk-shuh-ning]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of functioning¹

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

Example Sentences

Other workplace issues frame the union fight ahead, such as a properly functioning air conditioning system coming off the heels of a sweltering summer when people crowded the store to peruse its products.

From Los Angeles Times

Their power to keep a country functioning, he stresses, relies on the cooperation and obedience of those they govern.

From Salon

Quality of play, results, recruitment, relationship with supporters - nothing is functioning.

From BBC

The school, now functioning in a limited capacity, is still awaiting its license to operate full-time.

From Los Angeles Times

"She struggled for many years, 20 years, but she was a functioning addict," Jones told Rugby Union Weekly.

From BBC

Related Words

• functional 
• working