Synonyms of functioning

functioning 1 of 3

adjective

as in operating

being in effective operation

looked for a functioning washing machine, but the few that weren't broken were in use

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operating
• operational
• operative
• functional
• running
• working
• active
• going
• on
• in force
• operable
• live
• alive
• living
• in commission
• on line
• effective
• viable
• in gear
• producing
• effectual
• usable
• useful
• performing
• serving
• employable
• flourishing
• workable
• productive
• humming
• dynamic
• thriving
• busy
• yielding
• bustling
• astir
• roaring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• broken
• dead
• nonfunctioning
• inoperative
• inactive
• nonfunctional
• nonoperative
• useless
• nonoperational
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• nonactivated
• nonoperating
• kaput
• deactivated
• unusable
• inoperable
• decommissioned
• arrested
• inert
• unworkable
• idle
• dormant
• latent
• quiescent
• lifeless
• sleepy
• unproductive
• fallow
• asleep
• nonproductive
• stagnating
• vegetating

functioning

2 of 3

noun

as in activity

Related Words

• activity
• movement
• performance
• work
• system
• enterprise
• project
• program
• achievement
• approach
• undertaking
• plan
• design
• strategy
• attainment
• accomplishment
• arrangement
• layout
• method
• formula
• mode
• scheme
• manner
• technique
• style
• process
• blueprint
• operation
• plot
• game plan
• ground plan
• form
• way
• procedure
• recipe
• fashion
• proceeding
• drill
• routine
• course

functioning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of function

as in acting

to have a certain purpose

the heart functions as a pump for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• acting
• serving
• working
• operating
• performing
• regulating
• controlling
• managing
• running
• handling
• administering
• guiding
• supervising
• directing
• carrying on
• overseeing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of functioning

Adjective

And the park once held a record for the country’s smallest functioning post office, a groovy dome hiding a real postal employee. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

The location had critical issues with non-functioning refrigeration units, which led to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, city officials said. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026

Collins says cleaning a functioning or newer dryer once every two years is sufficient to clear our major blocks and prevent more serious complications, such as clogs that can lead to fires. — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026

Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades. — ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

Velasquez said Chait placed a strong emphasis on communication, recalling that district leaders recently sent administrators guidance on reassuring families that schools would remain safe and functioning. — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026

At the same time, Maguire ventured into opposition territory to serve as an emergency centre-forward — rarely a sign of a functioning game plan. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

New Yorkers deserve and require a fully functioning and cohesive government. — Kirsten John Foy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026

Police say the driver stopped at the non-functioning signal but did not see the teen in the crosswalk before proceeding. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

Noun

Training explosive power improves mobility, balance, and physical functioning, with long-term benefits for older adults. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 26 July 2026

Psychologists identified a striking disconnect between Boukamp's intellectual abilities and his social functioning. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The German leader said Health Minister Nina Warken will take Frei’s place at the chancellery, a post that is key to the smooth functioning of the government. — ABC News, 24 July 2026

At the study start, participants self-reported how low back problems affected their life, including disability level, pain, daily functioning, and fear of exercise. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 22 July 2026

It is needed for the proper growth and functioning of shoot and root tips and is an integral part of cell walls. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

And when given the opportunity, Andrew, 17, enjoys learning about computers, their functioning and how to troubleshoot technical issues. — The Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Of the 1,027 eligible women, 678 (66%) agreed to annual assessments of memory, language and reasoning, along with regular checks on physical health and daily functioning. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Clinical psychologist Willoughby Britton distinguishes between temporary distress and experiences that negatively affect daily functioning. — Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Verb

Smaller autonomous vessels, in addition to being cheaper to manufacture than large surface ships, are now effectively functioning as small aircraft carriers and mobile submarine pens. — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Sometimes low testosterone happens because the testicles aren’t functioning to their fullest potential. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

The clinic had reliable lighting, functioning equipment and dependable power throughout the delivery. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

This includes a way to make sure hardware and software are functioning correctly, and also change management for software development. — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026

Nike’s most sophisticated cushioning to date will get you outside and hitting PRs in no time, also functioning at its prime from the gym to the errand run. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Sources additionally say that officers have burnt out while working overtime month after month — all on top of functioning in an already tense and dangerous environment, likening the situation to a powder keg ready to blow. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

Halftime substitute Blake Bodily, functioning more centrally as an attacking midfielder rather than his typical wing position, scored an almost identical goal to Portland’s opener. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026

Gammon was hospitalized for several days and her kidney and liver were no longer functioning properly. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026