functioning

/ˈfʌŋkʃɪnɪŋ/

/ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/

Something that is functioning is working — doing what it's supposed to do. A functioning refrigerator keeps your food cold. A functioning television shows a clear picture. A functioning group gets things done in an orderly and timely fashion.

A function is the purpose that something is made for. A flashlight's function is to light up. But if it's not functioning, or working properly, you might need to change its batteries or buy a new one. If your car can get you from point A to point B but the engine sounds like it's going to die any minute, you might say that it is "barely functioning." Sometimes people use the word functional to mean the thing as functioning.

Definitions of functioning

1. adjective

   performing or able to perform its regular function
   “a functioning flashlight”

   synonyms:

   functional, operative, running, working

   (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing

   up

   (used of computers) operating properly

   antonyms:

   malfunctioning

   not performing or able to perform its regular function

   amiss, awry, haywire, wrong

   not functioning properly

   bad, defective

   not working properly

   out of whack

   out of balance or out of adjustment

   run-down

   having the spring unwound
2. noun

   process or manner of functioning or operating
   synonyms: operation, performance

   type of:

   physical process, process

   a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states