Guest

functioning

/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/ · func·tion·ing
verb
  1. To have a function. The new software is functioning as intended after the latest update.
  2. To carry out a function; to be in action. During the experiment, the reactor was functioning continuously for twelve hours.
noun
  1. The action of the verb *function*. His functioning on the project was essential to its success.
  2. The manner by which something functions; the workings. Understanding the functioning of the human brain remains a scientific frontier.
adjective
  1. Functional, working. The device is still functioning despite its age.
  2. (of a person) Mentally disabled but still able to survive in wider society. She is a functioning adult who manages her own household and job.
Did you know? In early computer science, ‘functioning’ described a program’s ability to execute subroutines correctly, a usage that helped shape modern debugging terminology.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 18, 2026