functioning

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.

This reasoning assumes a healthy, functioning democracy where politicians earn trust and legitimacy, and then are held accountable for betraying it.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

Their arguments helped convince congressional Republicans to push for the 15th Amendment, embedding in our national charter for the first time the idea that the right to vote is essential to a functioning democracy.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Hooray for the tort system—words you might not expect to read if you don’t remember that a properly functioning legal system helps capitalism proceed without force or fraud.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Ireland's government announced fresh tax cuts on petrol and diesel at an emergency cabinet meeting Sunday after fuel cost protests that had threatened the functioning of the country's emergency services.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

It can take up to twenty-four hours for a properly functioning nuclear reactor to reach cold shutdown—the point at which the temperature of the core dips below boiling.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland