- present participle of function.
functioning
Americanadjective
-
performing a specified action or activity; working; operating.
My son has only one functioning kidney.
-
(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.
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.
Vocabulary lists containing functioning
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A brain tumor, depending on its location, type and stage, could impair your cognitive functioning and spatial awareness, which could affect your ability to drive.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026
Carlos Cancinos, spokesperson for the Coop chain in Sweden, said that the group's seven affected shops had resumed "normal functioning".
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026
It took 15 years to transform the deteriorating, stripped-down hulk into a functioning vessel and figure out how to fly planes from it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
It can develop on opposing sides of a stem and generate forces in different directions, functioning much like the opposing muscle groups animals use to maintain posture and control movement.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026
An investigation of an arts infusion program on creative thinking, academic achievement, affective functioning, and arts appreciation of children at three grade levels.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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