function
noun
the kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role.
were functioning
-
past progressiveof function.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The firm said three nuclear reactors operating in the region at the time were functioning normally.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
Do we have any insight into how their content-moderation operations were functioning around this video?
From Slate ● Sep. 12, 2025
He said there were still 1,300 buildings in London with fire safety issues and that it was the responsibility of their owners to make sure their safety systems were functioning properly.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2024
If America were functioning at peak optimal performance, could we be as magical as this place?
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2024
I had the curious feeling that my body and brain were functioning quite apart from me.
From Kitchener's Mob Adventures of an American in the British Army by James Norman Hall
