ceased functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

"ceased functioning" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something has stopped working or operating. Example: The old computer finally ceased functioning after years of use.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Doctors did not remove Elliott's own kidneys, which have ceased functioning since the transplant.

The New York Times - Sports

The battery eventually ceased functioning when all the Zn metal was consumed (Fig. 3d).

Nature

For example, the market for short-term business-to-business loans, known as "commercial paper," has basically ceased functioning.

The New Yorker

A tunnel with a large propeller was installed in 1911 to aerate the water, but ceased functioning in the 1960's.

The New York Times

He also said a health facility in Nika, in south-eastern Pakita province, had been damaged in conflict and had ceased functioning.

The Guardian

The ACARS, which sends messages intermittently, might have ceased functioning at exactly the same time as the transponder, it turned out.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I said, 'I don't know.' " In any shutdown, the government does not completely cease functioning, of course.

The New York Times

On the night of Sunday, January 30th, as the Interior Ministry appeared to cease functioning, the prison gates were left open and he walked free.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, assuming that access networking is limited in several locations, Web applications cease functioning.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The most important of these impediments appears to be the EB-5 program that will cease functioning until the dispute in Congress is resolved.

Forbes

If innovative steps, such as Regulation XV, are not taken today, the freeways will cease functioning.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ceased functioning" when a more formal or technical tone is appropriate. It's suitable for describing the failure of systems, organizations, or biological functions.

Common error

Avoid using "ceased functioning" in casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "stopped working" would be more natural. Using overly formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceased functioning" typically acts as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating that a subject has stopped performing its intended action or purpose. Ludwig provides examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ceased functioning" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most suitable for formal and technical contexts, such as scientific reports, news articles, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "stopped working" may be more appropriate. According to Ludwig's examples, the phrase effectively conveys that something has stopped operating or fulfilling its intended purpose, often implying a state of inactivity. It is particularly prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, demonstrating its widespread acceptance across authoritative platforms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped working

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

is no longer functional

This alternative is a descriptive restatement of the original phrase.

became inoperative

This alternative is more formal and technical.

failed to operate

This alternative emphasizes the failure aspect.

shut down

This alternative implies a controlled or deliberate stop.

broke down

This alternative often refers to mechanical failures.

went offline

This alternative is specific to systems or technology.

became defunct

This alternative suggests a more permanent cessation.

stopped running

This alternative suggests a process or machine stopping.

is out of service

This alternative suggests a temporary or scheduled stop.

FAQs

What does "ceased functioning" mean?

The phrase "ceased functioning" means that something has stopped working or operating. It implies a state of being non-functional or inactive.

What are some synonyms for "ceased functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "stopped working", "became inoperative", or "failed to operate" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "ceased functioning"?

It is appropriate to use "ceased functioning" in formal or technical contexts where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired. For example, you might use it when describing the failure of a medical device or the closure of an organization.

Is "ceased to function" the same as "ceased functioning"?

Yes, "ceased to function" is very similar in meaning to "ceased functioning." Both indicate that something has stopped performing its intended purpose, though "ceased functioning" might sound slightly more technical.