functioning

[fuhngk-shuh-ning]

adjective

1. performing a specified action or activity; working; operating.

   My son has only one functioning kidney.

2. (of a person with addiction or other illness or disability) able to cope with everyday life, as at home or at work: functioning diabetics.

   a functioning alcoholic with a successful career;

   functioning diabetics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of functioning¹

First recorded in 1835–40; in 1970–75 functioning for def. 2; function ( def. ) (in the sense “to perform an action”) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The company plans to keep its five currently functioning BurnBot RXs in the family, where their experienced technicians and wildland firefighters will use them to complete wildfire risk reduction work across the state.

From Los Angeles Times

"That's why every single person in her team has to play that role of making sure the body is functioning properly and making sure her mind is there."

From BBC

The fastest vehicle seized was found to have a top speed of 86mph and have no functioning brakes.

From BBC

In implementing DOGE, Musk broke nearly every functioning civil service department and gained access to every American’s most sensitive data without our consent.

From Salon

In its original case, Epping Forest had argued that The Bell Hotel had become a public safety risk as well as an alleged planning law breach, arguing it had stopped functioning as a true hotel.

From BBC

Related Words

• functional 
• working