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

The Toulouse, France-based company had warned that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.

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The Toulouse, France-based company had warned that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.

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Even so, building a functioning quantum internet still involves major technical challenges.

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A recent event involving an A320 aircraft revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls, the company said Friday.

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And throughout the complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, fire-department officials and residents said that fire alarms weren’t properly functioning.

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Related Words

• functional 
• working