Functioning
/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo perform or operate in a particular way, often referring to the proper or expected performance of a task, system, or organ.
/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/
To work or operate in a proper or expected way.
The new engine is functioning at its peak performance.
💡 Simply: Imagine your body is a machine. When everything in your body is working right, we say it's *functioning* well. Like, your brain is functioning, and your legs are functioning.
👶 For kids: When something is working like it's supposed to, we say it's functioning! Like when your toy car can still drive around.
More Examples
The committee continues to function despite the disagreement.
After the repairs, the computer is functioning again.
How It's Used
"The doctor checked if his heart was functioning properly."
"The software is functioning as designed."
The way something operates or performs its intended purpose; the action or process of functioning.
/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/
The way in which something works or operates.
The doctor assessed the heart's proper functioning.
💡 Simply: Think of how a car works. The *functioning* is the engine running and the wheels turning! It's how something does its job.
👶 For kids: How something works is called functioning. Like how your body functions when you eat a good meal.
More Examples
The website's malfunctioning disrupted its overall functioning.
The focus of the report was on the overall functioning of the organization.
How It's Used
"The study focused on the functioning of the human brain."
"Understanding the functioning of the market is crucial."
Currently in operation or working; performing its function or duties.
/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/
Currently working or operating.
The system remains functioning despite the problems.
💡 Simply: If a machine is *functioning*, it's working right now! Like, 'The lights are functioning'.
👶 For kids: When something is working right now, we say it's functioning. Like, the TV is functioning!
More Examples
All essential services are functioning during the crisis.
The hospital needs to ensure all its equipment is functioning.
How It's Used
"The equipment is functioning at full capacity."
"The patient's vital organs are functioning normally."
Idioms & expressions
dysfunctional family
A family in which the relationships are unhealthy or characterized by conflict and poor communication.
"The movie portrayed a dysfunctional family dealing with various issues."
malfunctioning
Not working or operating correctly.
"The malfunctioning machine stopped the production line."
From Middle English *functiounen*, from Old French *fonction* (modern French *fonction*), from Latin *functio* (“performance, execution, a discharging of an office or duty”), from *fungor* (“to perform, execute”).
The word 'functioning' became more prominent in scientific and technological contexts in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a machine working correctly: it's functioning.
Word Origin
"performance"