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

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

At this stage, your vending business is a functioning, revenue-generating enterprise, which significantly lowers adjudicatory risk. — Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Noun

Hence, the organization’s goals becoming personally meaningful to people promotes the organization’s functioning. — Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Studies show that orgasms also relieve menstrual pain, lower blood pressure, enhance circulation, correlate with better cardiac functioning, and burn calories equivalent to thirty minutes of brisk walking. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

There are many components of cognitive health, including attention, memory, and executive functioning. — Sarah Bradley, Health, 21 June 2026

Guests complete cognitive-skills assessments that analyze the brain’s processing speed, visual memory, and executive functioning, then move into personalized drills and strategies. — Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 11 June 2026

The researchers found that higher BMI over time led to more rapid declines in cognitive functions, memory and executive functioning than what is typically seen in aging adults, such as managing emotions, organizing and planning tasks, concentrating, and more. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

Pelvic floor disorders can occur when these muscles and tissues are too weak or too tight or don’t facilitate the proper functioning of these organs for other reasons. — Stacey Colino, Time, 9 June 2026

Also lying latent was a decline in the bipartisan functioning of Congress. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026

Consistent short sleep, however, has been linked to measurable declines in cognitive performance and day-to-day functioning, while chronic sleep deprivation is associated with more serious long-term health risks. — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Verb

To solve this mystery, researchers used neutron diffraction for the first time to look deep inside a thick, functioning solid-state battery. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Besides that head start over building a whole new concept from scratch, Blue Origin also has a functioning crane at its disposal. — Chris Young july 12, New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Everyone knows that the key to a livable, functioning home is to first keep it clutter-free. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

Farina recommends checking that exterior doors, windows and gates close securely, outdoor lighting is working properly, and security cameras or alarm systems are functioning as expected. — Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples. — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The Court is functioning as intended under our Constitution with lifetime appointments to ensure judicial independence from political pressure. — Brent Andersen, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Recent funding-market episodes suggest the Fed remains sensitive to market functioning and may respond if pressures become more pronounced. — Sean Conlon,lee Ying Shan,sarah Min, CNBC, 9 July 2026

The court was established in 2001 and began functioning four years later as both an international court to settle disputes among Caribbean countries and as a final court of appeal. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026