Definitions

defunct

[dih-fuhngkt] / dɪˈfʌŋkt /

ADJECTIVE

extinct, not functioning

Synonyms

STRONGEST

nonexistent obsolete vanished

WEAK

asleep bygone cold dead deceased departed done for down the drain exanimate expired gone had it inanimate inoperative invalid kaput late lifeless lost out of commission

Antonyms

WEAK

alive existent existing functioning live operating operative valid working

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now, customers of the defunct budget carrier are mourning the sub-$100 plane ticket that has virtually disappeared.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

They included several sites in the capital Pyongyang, as well as public grounds such as defunct airfields, riverbanks, farmland and open-storage yards for mine waste.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

This is the first time an auditor of a defunct company is providing compensation to independent minority shareholders harmed by false and misleading financial statements, the SFC said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Kinahan also had ties to the world of sport via his now defunct boxing management company MTK Global, which represented more than 100 boxers including Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The defunct 3M plant was right under the bridge.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Vocabulary lists containing defunct

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Grade 9, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Lightning Thief

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!