nonfunctioning

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Not working or not operating properly; not functioning.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: a nonfunctioning kidney. It can also be used after a linking verb: The machine is nonfunctioning.

   Patterns

   • nonfunctioning + noun
   • be nonfunctioning

   The nonfunctioning elevator forced everyone to use the stairs.

   He was born with a nonfunctioning kidney.

   The factory was shut down because of nonfunctioning safety equipment.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablemedical

   In medicine, relating to an organ or body part that is not working.

   Grammar: Technical use; usually before a noun: nonfunctioning thyroid.

   Patterns

   • nonfunctioning organ
   • nonfunctioning thyroid
   • nonfunctioning kidney

   The patient had a nonfunctioning thyroid and needed medication.

   A nonfunctioning gallbladder can cause digestive problems.

Common combinations

nonfunctioning kidney

She lives with one nonfunctioning kidney.

nonfunctioning thyroid

A nonfunctioning thyroid requires daily hormone treatment.

nonfunctioning equipment

The nonfunctioning equipment was replaced immediately.

nonfunctioning government

The country suffered under a nonfunctioning government.

Synonyms and how they differ

broken

Broken is more everyday and can mean physically damaged; nonfunctioning is more formal and technical.

inoperative

Inoperative is very formal and often used for machines or laws; nonfunctioning is common in medical contexts.

Opposites

Word family

function verb

To work or operate properly.

functioning adjective

Working or operating properly.

Commonly confused: nonfunctioning or malfunctioning?

Practice

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