defunct
dih-FUNKT
/dɪˈfʌŋkt/
No longer existing or functioning.
Stronger than "obsolete" or "discontinued." It means something has completely ceased to exist or operate, often implying a permanent end. It's often used for organizations, systems, or practices.
The story behind the word. "Defunct" comes from the Latin word defunctus, which is the past participle of defungi, meaning "to perform, discharge, or finish." It literally means "having finished one's course" or "deceased." In English, it first referred to deceased persons, but by the 18th century, it expanded to describe things, organizations, or systems that had ceased to exist or function.
Word relationships
- extinct: (Of a species, family, or other group of animals or plants) having no living members; no longer in existence.
- non-existent: Not existing.
- obsolete: No longer produced or used.
- existing: Having actual being.
- operational: In working order.
- thriving: Prosperous and growing.
Commonly confused with
- obsolete: "Defunct" means no longer existing or functioning at all. "Obsolete" means no longer produced or used, but the concept or item might still exist in some form or be theoretically functional.
Word family
- function (noun/verb): the purpose or role of something; to work or operate.
Collocations
- completely defunct
- largely defunct
- now defunct
- defunct company
- defunct system
Example sentences
- "The once-popular video rental store is now completely defunct." Describing a past business.
- "Many of the old railway lines are now defunct, replaced by highways." Referring to old infrastructure.
- "The company's previous marketing strategy is now defunct, replaced by a digital-first approach." Discussing business strategy.
Memory hook
"DE-FUNCT" – it's de-activated, no longer functional. De-activated, no function
When not to use
Don't use "defunct" for something that is merely old or out of fashion but still exists or could function. It implies a complete cessation of existence or operation.
Fun facts
- The original Latin sense of defunctus directly meant "dead," and this echoes in the finality of the English word when applied to systems or companies.
Related words
Explore more words
dilapidated, inoperable, abolish, deactivate, malfunction, crash
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