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

Parenting a child comes with unique stressors, from small daily hassles like getting kids out the door on time for school to the bigger assignment of raising a functioning, happy and healthy human. — Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Two years later, that land was a functioning commercial development with healthcare services, co-working space, community banking and retail tenants serving a neighborhood that had none of those things before. — Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

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

Noun

In this case, the framework is based on physical features that are essential for cellular functioning. — Mike McRae 04, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

If the stress starts to impede daily functioning, talk to a mental health professional who can provide additional support. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Western Pacific’s program addresses all aspects of recovery, reducing drug use, improving social functioning and shrinking the risk of overdose and other negative health outcomes. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

Hospital was vital site for journalists News agencies like Reuters and AP supplied live video footage to newsrooms around the world from the hospital, one of the few functioning in Gaza at the time. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

At each developmental stage, Montessori teachers work to develop children’s decision-making skills, which are part of a larger focus on executive functioning. — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Protein is also important for the functioning of your nervous system, immune system, skin, hormones and other essential components. — Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Their purpose is not to flatten emotion or eliminate individuality, but to reduce symptoms that interfere with functioning and quality of life. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

On the other hand, sitting at work was linked to healthier functioning. — Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

Fagel has battled three forms of cancer, an autoimmune condition and PTSD – all certified by the National World Trade Center Health Program as tied to Ground Zero, and is currently operating with one kidney and one of two lungs functioning at 25%. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Even once enough power was restored to play, most of the monitors in the booth weren’t functioning, leaving Pasch and Dvoracek to call the game without seeing the TV feed and without any aids of replay or additional angles. — David Ubben, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Carta told me that only three of the restaurants had functioning toilets. — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

All other spacecraft systems were also reported to be functioning properly as the deep space probe sped away on a trajectory that would carry it past the moon less than nine hours after launch. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2026

If an elevator is functioning properly, inform the phone operator that the button was pressed by accident, experts said. — Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Everyone was amazed that, yes, this teeny tiny thing was actually a functioning camera that could take relatively good pictures, and not just a cute, decorative keychain. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

Rao and Succi correctly identify accountability as the dividing line between a useful medical tool and a functioning medical system. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026

Rather than functioning as another Palm Beach stage on which to see and be seen, it’s tucked discreetly behind the hotel, surrounded by greenery and striped loungers—a genuinely private place to disappear for an afternoon. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026