nonfunctioning

adjective

non·​func·​tion·​ing ˌnän-ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce nonfunctioning (audio)
1
: not performing or able to perform a function : not functioning : nonfunctional
a nonfunctioning telephone
a nonfunctioning kidney
2
medical, of a tumor : not secreting hormones or not secreting hormones that produce clinical symptoms
a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma
nonfunctioning islet cell tumors

Examples of nonfunctioning in a Sentence

the Ferris wheel is nonfunctioning at the moment
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers. Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023 In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system. Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 30 Jan. 2023 The ancient telomere at the fusion site is now a nonfunctioning relic of evolution embedded in the middle of the chromosome. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2012 Donald and Jaylen Brown appear to be the only announced clients of Donda Sports, which has a nonfunctioning website and an Instagram account with over 279,000 followers and no posts. Greg Beacham, ajc, 26 Oct. 2022 Donald and Jaylen Brown appear to be the only announced clients of Donda Sports, which has a nonfunctioning website and an Instagram account with more than 279,000 followers and no posts. Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 25 Oct. 2022 Demings, whose four decades of public service include leading the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department, said intersections with nonfunctioning signals become four-way stops. Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Sep. 2022 On the last Saturday of September, keeping the culture looked like Carter working in conjunction with members of her community to host a dinner under the stars on a nonfunctioning farm. Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2021 Usually the nonfunctioning kidneys are left in place and the healthy kidney is surgically attached in a different location. Julie Washington, cleveland, 13 July 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonfunctioning was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near nonfunctioning

Cite this Entry

“Nonfunctioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonfunctioning. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

nonfunctioning

adjective
non·​func·​tion·​ing -ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce nonfunctioning (audio)
1
: not performing or able to perform a regular function
a nonfunctioning thyroid
2
of a tumor : not secreting hormones or not secreting hormones which produce clinical symptoms
a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma
nonfunctioning islet cell tumors
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