high-functioning

[ hahy-fuhngk-shuh-ning ]

adjective

noting or relating to a person with a disability, chronic illness, or mental health issue who functions mentally or physically at a higher level than others with the same condition: a high-functioning child with autism; high-functioning alcoholism.

Origin of high-functioning

1915–20 for earlier sense “functioning at a high level”; current meaning was first recorded in 1985–90.

I know a lot of artists and directors that are very high-functioning potheads.
Susan Sarandon on ‘Jeff, Who Lives at Home,’ Limbaugh, the GOP, Tim Robbins, and More | Marlow Stern | March 16, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Richards, at the depths of his drug-fueled romp through the culture, was also a high-functioning professional music executive.
Cavalcade of Bad Boy Flameouts | Eric Dezenhall | March 4, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Watch the presentation: How to ‘See’ Color Daniel Tammet is what's known as a high-functioning autistic savant.
TED Conference: What's Hot | Brian Ries | March 4, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
But I was a paragon of high-functioning alcoholism: Few knew my secrets.
A Murdoch Top Editor: How I Kicked Booze | David Yelland | April 21, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
In the psychoactive hierarchy of kitchen work, a high-functioning junkie beats a one-time opium eater.
Chefs on Drugs | Jason Sheehan | July 21, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST

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