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Defunct: meaning, definitions and examples

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defunct

 

[ dɪˈfʌŋkt ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

no longer functioning or in existence

No longer existing or functioning. It is often used to describe organizations, systems, or products that have ceased to operate or be effective.

Synonyms

disused, extinct, obsolete.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defunct

Used to describe something that is no longer functioning or existing. Often used in reference to organizations, businesses, or technologies.

  • The company is now defunct after filing for bankruptcy last year.
  • This law is defunct and no longer applies.
disused

Refers to something that is no longer in use but still physically exists. Often used for places or things like buildings, railways, or machinery.

  • The disused factory has become a haven for graffiti artists.
  • We found an old, disused railway track during our hike.
obsolete

Used to describe something that is outdated and has been replaced by something newer or better. Often used for technologies, practices, or terms.

  • The floppy disk is now an obsolete technology.
  • This practice seems obsolete in the age of digital communication.
extinct

Describes a species, practice, or phenomenon that no longer exists anywhere on Earth. Commonly used in biology and ecology.

  • The dodo bird is an example of an extinct species.
  • Certain ancient rituals have become extinct over time.

Examples of usage

  • The defunct company was once a leader in the industry.
  • After the war, the defunct government was replaced with a new one.
  • The defunct law proved to be outdated and ineffective.
Context #2 | Noun

a person or thing that no longer exists

A person or thing that has ceased to exist or be in operation. It can refer to a company, organization, or entity that has come to an end.

Synonyms

discontinued, extinct, vanished.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defunct

Used to describe something that no longer exists or functions, particularly referring to businesses, organizations, or technology.

  • The defunct software company was once a leader in the industry.
  • He visited the building of a defunct factory removed from the city's map.
extinct

Primarily used to describe species that no longer exist, but can also refer to cultural practices or traditions that have disappeared.

  • Dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years.
  • Certain traditional customs have become extinct in modern society.
vanished

Describes something or someone that has suddenly disappeared, often mysteriously. It can be used for both tangible and abstract things.

  • The magician made the rabbit vanish in front of everyone's eyes.
  • Those old habits have vanished over time.
discontinued

Refers to products or services that are no longer produced or provided, often by manufacturers or service providers.

  • The model of the TV has been discontinued.
  • They discontinued the production of that car last year.

Examples of usage

  • The factory became a defunct after the economic downturn.
  • He considered himself a defunct in the fast-paced world of technology.
  • The defunct of the old traditions paved the way for new customs.

Translations

Translations of the word "defunct" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extinto

🇮🇳 अप्रचलित

🇩🇪 nicht mehr existierend

🇮🇩 tidak berfungsi

🇺🇦 неіснуючий

🇵🇱 niewykończony

🇯🇵 廃止された

🇫🇷 disparu

🇪🇸 extinto

🇹🇷 feshedilmiş

🇰🇷 폐지된

🇸🇦 منقرض

🇨🇿 neexistující

🇸🇰 neexistujúci

🇨🇳 不复存在的

🇸🇮 neobstoječ

🇮🇸 útdautt

🇰🇿 жойылған

🇬🇪 გადმოცემული

🇦🇿 mövcud olmayan

🇲🇽 extinto

Etymology

The term 'defunct' originated from the Latin word 'defunctus', which means 'dead' or 'finished'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. Over time, 'defunct' has come to be widely used to describe things that are no longer in existence or operation. The word has evolved to encompass a broad range of contexts, from businesses and organizations to traditions and customs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,031, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.