functioning enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functioning enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of functionality that is satisfactory or adequate for a particular purpose. Example: "The machine is functioning enough to complete the basic tasks, but it may need repairs for more complex operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm functioning enough".

The New York Times

He stayed clean for 17 years, but began using again in 2002 describing himself wryly as "functioning enough".

The Guardian - Arts

Human beings, through our social institutions (in this case medicine), determine when clusters of these behaviors impair functioning enough to warrant a disease label.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Our brains are filled to capacity and can no longer function enough to make the decision to eat a healthier dinner.

Huffington Post

When the drug agency investigated, it said Mr. Gelsinger should never have been treated, because his liver was not functioning well enough before doctors gave him the infusion.

The New York Times

"It may be their only source of currency until they are on a stabilizing dose" of methadone and are functioning well enough to get a legitimate job.

The New York Times

However, even the most superficial understanding of the federation's way of functioning is enough to know that the problem cannot be so simple.

The New York Times

Dementia is a disorder characterized by global impairment in cognition, social and occupational functioning severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

Insights into Imaging

However, it has been shown that the reporting system from the health units to the central level is often not functioning well enough (4).

Global Health Action

Identifying those who are in the last year of life, yet functioning well enough to engage with and complete the study over a three month period can be problematic.

BMC Palliative Care

Limitations of this study include the use of a sample with self-reported bipolar disorder and a likelihood of selection bias for participants functioning well enough to complete the survey and interested in the research question.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "functioning enough" when you want to convey that something or someone is operating at a level that is satisfactory for a particular purpose, even if not optimal. It implies a pragmatic assessment of capability.

Common error

Avoid using "functioning enough" when the situation demands a higher standard of performance. It's not appropriate when describing critical systems where even slight deficiencies are unacceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning enough" primarily serves as an adjectival modifier, describing the extent to which something is capable of performing its intended functions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it qualifies nouns by indicating a satisfactory level of operation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "functioning enough" describes something operating at a satisfactory level, though perhaps not optimally. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in both news and scientific contexts. While its occurrence is rare, the phrase is useful for conveying a sense of pragmatic adequacy, as highlighted in the usage examples. When a more precise or stronger term is required, consider alternatives like "sufficiently functional" or "adequately operational".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently functional

Emphasizes the presence of the necessary functions to an adequate degree.

adequately operational

Focuses on the state of being operational to an acceptable level.

reasonably effective

Focuses on the effectiveness of something to a reasonable degree.

serviceable enough

Highlights that something is usable or provides a basic level of service.

workable enough

Highlights that something is in a condition that allows it to be used or operated.

passably effective

Suggests a level of effectiveness that is just acceptable or adequate.

acceptably proficient

Indicates a level of proficiency that meets the required standards.

minimally competent

Implies the lowest acceptable level of competence.

good enough

A common idiom indicating that something meets the minimum requirements.

barely adequate

Emphasizes the marginal acceptability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "functioning enough" in a sentence?

You can use "functioning enough" to describe a system, person, or object that is operating at a satisfactory level, such as, "The old computer is "functioning enough" to handle basic tasks".

What are some alternatives to "functioning enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently functional", "adequately operational", or "serviceable enough", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "functioning enough" or "fully functioning"?

"Functioning enough" implies a level of functionality that is adequate but not necessarily perfect, while "fully functioning" suggests complete and optimal operation. The choice depends on whether you need to emphasize adequacy or completeness.

What does "functioning enough" imply about the subject's condition?

It implies that the subject is in a state where it can perform its essential functions to a degree that meets the minimum requirements, even if there's room for improvement or optimization.