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

To confirm the result, the team constructed a functioning quantum chip based on the new qubit, demonstrating that the design can support error correction and scale toward larger systems.

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Recent stress in overnight funding markets could signal a need for the Federal Reserve to offer markets more aid during the crucial year-end period to keep markets functioning smoothly.

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In addition to its new chips, Baidu introduced two supernode products designed to link chips together, functioning as a unified system to enhance computing power.

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Clinically, the presentation aligns with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders: persistent intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation and impaired functioning.

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A growing body of scientific research is finding that fermented foods benefit health, improving the functioning of the gut microbiome and reducing markers of inflammation.

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Related Words

• functional 
• working