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

The accident destroyed one reactor, leaving the plant with one functioning. — Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

The earlier one watches people labor to keep a difficult tie functioning. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Doing more than one thing at once, especially on screens, can become addictive, which harms the functioning of our brain and nervous system. — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

What’s more concerning is a persistent decline that interferes with everyday functioning. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2026

Now, if data collection is important for the product’s functioning, and thus the business model, the proxy infrastructure placement might need reevaluation. — Mindaugas Čaplinskas, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Men deserve care that looks past a single number and considers diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and daily functioning. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

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

Verb

Along with functioning as an arcade and museum, the space has become a community center, Murray says. — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026

That outside money is functioning as a financial backstop for GOP candidates who trail badly in direct fundraising. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

The logistical systems that keep Ukrainian front-line cities, which now includes Kyiv, functioning are being pushed to the brink. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

However, Special Commissioner Anastasia Coleman said the investigation found the tracking system was functioning. — Doug Williams, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

When to See a Healthcare Provider B vitamins, magnesium, iron, vitamin D, CoQ10, creatine, and vitamin C all play different roles in the processes that keep your body functioning and producing energy. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2026

Coalition adviser Claude Ibalanky said at a news conference late Monday at Kabila's residence in the eastern city of Goma that the FRN's mission is to restore the pillars of a functioning republic. — Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026

The expansive flybridge is the signature feature of the new model, functioning as a fully fledged living space with two helm stations, a sheltered bar, and a spacious lounge. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

Coalition advisor Claude Ibalanky said at a news conference late Monday at Kabila’s residence in the eastern city of Goma that the FRN’s mission is to restore the pillars of a functioning republic. — Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026