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.

But the not-working group had been functioning quite well, at least as a charade for delay and obfuscation.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

“The hotel had been functioning normally, so we hadn’t been worried,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2023

The purchaser of the alleged prototype said that the phone had been functioning fine until a few days ago when it seems to have been remotely wiped.

From The Verge • Jun. 4, 2022

A 61-year-old patient, disabled by a back injury, had been functioning well for years on 225 M.M.E., he said.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2019

The radio beacon had been functioning all day, and they had received confirmation signals from the ship.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin