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functioning

functioning

47 3.4
The way something works or operates
  • noun
  • /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/
translation icon : funcionamiento
  • Those amazingly simple things add up to a functioning school system.
  • proper functioning
  • normal functioning
  • level of functioning

Whatever it is, it is the normal functioning of your brain.

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Examples

  • The law will provide for the organization, the functioning, and the jurisdiction of military justice.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The presence of large logs is important to the functioning of the forest system.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Whatever it is, it is the normal functioning of your brain.

  • On a scale from 1 to 100, 100 being the best, 1 is the worst, what do you think your level of functioning is?

  • Yet the former were the most important components for the functioning of the broader society.

    Academic text (1990)
  • There are indications that show that therapy can improve cognitive functioning, memory quality...

  • College meetings were important because of their relationship to the functioning and governance of Balliol.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Adjustment problems affect the family's functioning, as demonstrated by the following case illustration.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Mental stimulation plus a regimented schedule will vastly improve your cognitive functioning.

  • A healthy banking sector is critical to the functioning of the U.S. economy.

Synonyms

performance
vsfunctioning
  • Specialized
483 3.0

How well a machine or system works

is the same idea but expressed with a different word choice
operation
vsfunctioning
403 3.4

The way a machine or system works

is about manner or process rather than the making or usage
running
vsfunctioning
43 1.0

A machine or system that is working

focuses on the manner or process of operation rather than mere state
workings
vsfunctioning
1 3.9

The parts inside a machine or system that make it run

concerns the overall manner and process rather than internal components

Antonyms

96 4.5

A problem when a machine or system does not work correctly

76 6.1

A problem in the way a body part, system, or group works

How Well

efficiency
342 3.4
functioning
47 3.4
malfunction
96 4.5

Surface Forms

functioning singular
functionings plural

Morphology

functioning = function (transparent) = function + ing

Formed by the productive verb 'function' plus the standard participial/gerund suffix '-ing', so the meaning (process or ongoing action of functioning) is directly derived.

Etymology

Functioning comes from the Latin word functio, which means 'to perform' or 'to do'. So when we talk about the functioning of something we mean the way it performs its job or the way it works.