NONFUNCTIONING Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

nonfunctioning

adjective

ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ

Definition of nonfunctioning

as in malfunctioning

not being in working order the Ferris wheel is nonfunctioning at the moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nonfunctioning Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers. — Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023 In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system. — Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 30 Jan. 2023 Demings, whose four decades of public service include leading the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department, said intersections with nonfunctioning signals become four-way stops. — Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Sep. 2022 On the last Saturday of September, keeping the culture looked like Carter working in conjunction with members of her community to host a dinner under the stars on a nonfunctioning farm. — Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2021 Usually the nonfunctioning kidneys are left in place and the healthy kidney is surgically attached in a different location. — Julie Washington, cleveland, 13 July 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonfunctioning

Adjective

Riders had to evacuate its log ride on seven separate occasions because of issues such as boats colliding or becoming jammed and smoke coming from a malfunctioning part of the ride.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
Homeowners reported a swift meeting at which officers discussed a reorganization of their specific duties and the hiring of an elevator expert to fix the chronically malfunctioning, overloaded elevators.

— Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of malfunctioning

Adjective

The law makes a distinction between ‘useful’ creations that cannot be copyrighted, including most clothing, and nonfunctional sculptural works like jewelry that may be eligible for copyright protection.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Subsense showed off a nonfunctional mock-up of a cap that looked like a cross between a baseball cap and a bike helmet.

— Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of nonfunctional

Adjective

Proposition 37, which would create a down-payment assistance program to help middle-class Californians buy a home, was approved by voters.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Unlike with Bednar, the Yankees did not extend the qualifying offer to Chisholm, who endured a down season in 2026.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of down

Adjective

There was a small, inoperable well, an opera house and a carpenter’s studio, a dressmaker, a blacksmith, a bank.

— Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026
Ukraine’s strike force became inoperable behind front lines; Russian drones were able to hit populated areas, adding to Ukraine’s already high civilian death toll.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of inoperable

Adjective

The Hilltoppers recently got a boost to their secondary when star senior cornerback Bryce Ellens returned from a broken collarbone.

— Harris Horowitz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
His weary voice, describing with sympathy what this solitary, hungry rover is going through, details a broken relationship between human and beast, but more keenly and traumatically, between humans and humans.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of broken

Adjective

If the main engines were to become inoperative, six smaller orbit-control thrusters can still be activated on the lunar surface, providing an alternative pathway for a rapid ascent.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
And there’s been plenty of media focus since then — including on inoperative toilets.

— Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of inoperative

Browse Nearby Words

nonfunctional

nonfunctioning

nonglamorous

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“Nonfunctioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonfunctioning. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonfunctioning

adjective

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