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. high-functioning.

   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 fordef 2; function ( def ) (in the sense “to perform an action”) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

Meghan Horrigan-Taylor, a spokeswoman for the city, said another city employee alerted officials to the issue on Saturday when they noticed the voice feature was not functioning properly.

From BBC

The hospital - which had been the best functioning in northern Gaza - is now out of service and cannot admit new patients.

From BBC

It means more kids have more health care access at younger ages, so they grow into happy, functioning adults.

From Salon

Al-Ahli - a small medical facility before the war - is now the only hospital still functioning in Gaza City following the destruction of Al-Shifa medical complex and hospitals in the northern part of the Strip.

From BBC

"I think without all the additional stress of living in these places, this wouldn't have happened, that I would still be dancing - I would have actually been a functioning member of society," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• functional
• working