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

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  • The defunct law proved to be outdated and ineffective.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

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.