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

Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in every cell of your body, is vital to its functioning, helping build cells and key hormones. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Parents want to know how much their teenager’s phone is really disrupting sleep, mood and daily functioning. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026

Others struggle with executive functioning or social communication. — Dr. Monika Roots, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Species identification allows birders to practice their attention, memory, pattern recognition and decision-making skills, all of which support healthy cognitive functioning. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026

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

Verb

One had repeat customers, clean inventory and a functioning management team; the other depended on a single customer, one hero product and its founder. — Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Beauty standards have a long history of functioning as a form of social control, helping police how women are expected to look and act in public. — Brittney McNamara, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Primary contractor Raytheon and partner Composite Energy Technology (CET) developed HADALUS in under 18 months from conceptual sketch to functioning prototype. — David Szondy august 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Karman argued that restoring a functioning Yemeni state is ultimately essential to defeating armed groups and securing the country. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Her goal is for another generation to inherit both functioning spaces and a physical connection to the people who shaped them. — Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026

This creates a need for autonomous logistics systems that can continue functioning even when conditions are degraded. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

When the researchers removed the neurons, the heart stopped functioning completely. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Sandy says the deck team’s functioning at all is a minor miracle. — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026