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Functioning: meaning, definitions and examples

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functioning

 

[ˈfʌŋkʃ(ə)nɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

the psychological capacity to remain or become self-reliant and competent in the face of life's challenges

Synonyms

operation, performance, working.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
functioning

Use when referring to the way something works or operates, often describing whether it is working correctly or not.

  • The new software is still in the testing phase and not fully functioning yet.
  • Is the heating system functioning properly?
operation

Utilize in formal contexts or when talking about the active process of something, often machinery, systems, or organizations.

  • The operation of the machine needs to be monitored closely.
  • The company’s operation expanded significantly last year.
performance

Best employed when discussing how well something performs or its effectiveness, often in terms of efficiency, speed, or quality.

  • The performance of the new engine exceeds expectations.
  • Her performance during the presentation was outstanding.
working

Suited for casual settings or everyday usage to mean the way something functions or performs tasks.

  • The clock is not working at the moment.
  • Are you sure this device is working properly?

Examples of usage

  • She showed a high level of functioning despite the difficult circumstances.
  • The therapy aimed to improve the patient's level of functioning.
Context #2 | Verb

in general

performing or operating in a proper, usual, or expected way

Synonyms

operating, performing, working.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
functioning

Use this word to describe something that is working correctly in a general sense, particularly technical systems or body parts.

  • The heating system is functioning properly
  • His heart was functioning normally after the surgery
working

Use this word in a broad sense to describe something that is doing its intended job. It can refer to machines, systems, or people.

  • The printer is working again
  • She has been working on this project for weeks
operating

This term is often employed to describe machinery, businesses, or systems in action. It emphasizes active use or management.

  • The factory has been operating at full capacity
  • The company has been operating in this market for over a decade
performing

This word is suitable for describing how well a person, machine, or system is accomplishing a task or duty, often evaluated by results.

  • The athlete is performing well this season
  • The new software is performing beyond our expectations

Examples of usage

  • The machine is functioning properly now.
  • The team needs to ensure that all systems are functioning smoothly.

Translations

Translations of the word "functioning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 funcionamento

🇮🇳 संचालन

🇩🇪 Funktionieren

🇮🇩 berfungsi

🇺🇦 функціонування

🇵🇱 funkcjonowanie

🇯🇵 機能

🇫🇷 fonctionnement

🇪🇸 funcionamiento

🇹🇷 işleyiş

🇰🇷 작동

🇸🇦 تشغيل

🇨🇿 fungování

🇸🇰 fungovanie

🇨🇳 运行

🇸🇮 delovanje

🇮🇸 starfsemi

🇰🇿 жұмыс істеу

🇬🇪 ფუნქციონირება

🇦🇿 işləmək

🇲🇽 funcionamiento

Etymology

The word 'functioning' originates from the Old French word 'fonction', which is derived from the Latin word 'functio' meaning 'performance' or 'execution'. The term has been used in various fields such as psychology, engineering, and biology to describe the operation or performance of something.

See also: dysfunction, dysfunctional, functional, functionality, functionally, functionaries, functionary, functions, malfunction, malfunctions, misfunction, multifunctional, multifunctionality, nonfunctional, perfunctory.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,361, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.