Vocabulary in context
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Defunct
No longer existing or functioning; having ceased to operate or be in use.
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Imagine This
Imagine an old factory on a quiet street: rusted gears, a silent conveyor belt, and a faded sign that once read 'Open for business' now hanging crookedly. The place feels still, as if all of its machines and workers have vanished into memory.
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Sounds Like
dee-FUNK-t
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Looks Like
Looks like 'function' with the prefix de- and a sense of loss of function.
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Remember This
Defunct describes things like organizations, systems, or devices that used to operate but no longer do. Do not use it for living people.
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Other Forms
defunctnessnoun
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Connect With
obsolete, nonfunctional, inoperative, inactive, extinct
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Note
Common pitfall: not interchangeable with 'defund' (to withdraw funding). Also avoid using it to describe a person; use terms like 'deceased' or 'dead' for people. More precise than 'inactive' when the thing has ceased to exist or function completely.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The defunct railway line has been abandoned for decades.
- The defunct website still hosts old archives but is no longer maintained.
Synonyms
obsoletenonfunctionalinoperativeextinctdisused
Antonyms
operationalfunctionalactiveexistent
Etymology
From Latin defunctus, past participle of defungi 'to perform, discharge' with the prefix de- meaning 'down, away from.' The sense evolved in English to mean no longer in effect or existence.
Mnemonic
DE-FUNK-ED: Think of something that has had its function removed and is now 'de-funked' — it no longer works.
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Subtle
adjectiveNot obvious or easily noticed; delicate and precise, requiring careful thought to notice or understand.
Garish
adjectiveShowy and flashy in a tasteless or excessive way.
Consecrate
verbTo make or declare something sacred; to dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose, often through a ceremony.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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