functioning 1 of 3

functioning

2 of 3

noun

functioning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of function

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
There are many components of cognitive health, including attention, memory, and executive functioning. Sarah Bradley, Health, 21 June 2026 The energy crisis threatened by the Iran war was effectively neutralized through the natural functioning of the market — not through political breakthroughs. George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 18 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 Most pills — like Prozac for depression or Lipitor for cholesterol — are tiny chemicals that squeeze into a pocket inside a much larger protein to gum up its functioning. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Verb
Resilience asks, can the system absorb a blow and keep functioning? Senthil Muthu, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Despite how straightforward the control panel seems, certain settings can prevent your AC from functioning at its best when the heat gets real. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 Rather than functioning as a static archive, organizers envision the Manifesto Library as an active cultural space centered on reading, debate and public participation. Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 June 2026 The World Health Organization estimates that more than 60% of medical facilities in Port-au-Prince have been closed or are only partly functioning. Tirana Hassan, Time, 26 June 2026 There’s a full, functioning restaurant, run by a full, functioning family. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 The attacking midfield combination between Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala is not really functioning yet, with neither player in prime form. Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 June 2026 Muscles involved in breathing may stop functioning properly. Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 The sheriff said the boy, who was homeschooled, may have been a high-functioning autistic child who would typically play with other kids in the trailer park. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioning
Adjective
  • True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026
  • Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.
    Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Officials accused her in the letter of violating the university’s time, place and manner policy, which sets rules on free speech activities on campus.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • As the escape-room activity kicks off — the guests have 30 minutes to find Aesha’s crew — the boys find plenty of opportunity to make insinuating jokes about tying up the girls, some (Coop) more wholesome than others (Luke).
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • It is stored in an inactive form in cells such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and immune system—acting as the body’s reserve bank, indicating how much iron is available for future use.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said on Sunday that more than 12,000 people have been displaced by the earthquakes and 774 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including hospitals.
    Alfredo Meza, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The acquisition aims to fuel Air Sprint's next phase of growth, including fleet expansion, operational enhancements, and technology investments to solidify its market leadership.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • October 1 is the deadline for formalizing operational plans for the upcoming water year.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Officials say the data collected helps solve and deter crime by, for example, allowing law enforcement to track a criminal’s movements.
    Reed Williams, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
  • In the years since, the bird, affectionately dubbed Pinky, has inspired a movement.
    Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The institute will be housed in Berkeley’s political science department, serving about 500 students a year, hosting fellows and funding research on democracy.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • And second, that Israel’s former military chief Eisenkot is now seen as the main political threat to the country’s longest-serving leader.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Helms-Burton is, three decades after its enactment, fully operative against both categories of defendants, at least where Cuban entities are concerned.
    Manuel A. Gómez, The Conversation, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The annual Wawa Welcome America celebration began with performances by singer Paula Holloway and a choir of more than 100 singers from churches across the Philadelphia region.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Both received less in non-equity bonuses tied to the company’s performance last year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Functioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioning. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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