no longer functional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'no longer functional' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest something is no longer working or able to be used as intended, as in the example below: This old refrigerator is no longer functional, so we need to replace it with a new one.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have studied mice or humans that are usually unhealthy, because critical genes in the host-microbe cross-talk are no longer functional and thus represent the extremities of the gene function spectrum.

Protein & Cell

As seven of the symbiont-specific genes are no longer functional in the obligate ' Nostoc azollae' 0708, these may in turn have key functions in the re-establishment of plant-cyanobacterial associations.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

That pledge was no longer functional during the AHCA debate.

The Washington Post

The tubes themselves were abandoned in place and are no longer functional.

The New York Times

That number is no longer functional, but puzzlers can use the simulator below as a replacement.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Though they are no longer functional, you can still admire the classical symmetry of their design and the light filtering through the star-shaped openings in the ceiling.

The New York Times - Travel

They said the hospital was no longer functional and that wounded civilians or rebel fighters must now be treated in makeshift clinics.

The Guardian

The Lexus version of OnStar, called Lexus Link, was offered in 2001-4; thanaloglog system is no longer functional.

The New York Times

The genomes showed large numbers of pseudogenes that are no longer functional, remnants of the original genome that will likely be lost over time.

Cornell University

Low levels or absence of 5, 6-CF indicate s that either the aphids have successfully redirected sap to themselves, or that the phloem is no longer functional.

South African Journal of Botany

Last month, the World Health Organisation warned that Yemen's healthcare system was on the brink of collapse, estimating that 23% of the country's medical facilities were no longer functional.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no longer functional", ensure the context clearly explains why the subject has ceased to function. Providing a reason enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "no longer functional" when describing something that was never intended to be functional in the first place. The phrase implies a previous state of operation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no longer functional" typically functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has ceased to perform its intended purpose. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no longer functional" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that has ceased to operate or serve its intended purpose. According to Ludwig, it's commonly used across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. While alternatives like ""out of order"" or ""inoperative"" exist, "no longer functional" provides a clear and widely understood means of conveying inoperability. It is important to use it when something has effectively stopped functioning, rather than describing something that was never designed to be functional in the first place. Ludwig's examples reinforce this understanding by showing how the phrase is used to describe everything from broken equipment to defunct biological processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of order

Focuses on the operational status, often implying a temporary malfunction.

inoperative

A more formal term, suggesting a more permanent state of non-functionality.

non-operational

Similar to 'inoperative' but can apply to systems or organizations as well as physical objects.

defunct

Implies that something has ceased to exist or function.

unusable

Highlights the inability to use something, regardless of the reason.

broken

A simple, direct term indicating damage that prevents functionality.

unserviceable

Often used in technical contexts, indicating that something cannot be repaired or maintained.

kaput

An informal term indicating that something is completely broken or has stopped working.

unfit for purpose

Emphasizes that something does not meet the requirements for its intended use.

not working

A general term indicating a lack of functionality, without specifying the reason.

FAQs

How can I use "no longer functional" in a sentence?

You can use "no longer functional" to describe anything that has stopped working or serving its intended purpose. For example, "The old computer is "no longer functional", so we need a new one."

What are some alternatives to saying "no longer functional"?

Alternatives include "out of order", "inoperative", "defunct", or "not working". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "no longer functional anymore"?

Yes, saying "no longer functional anymore" is redundant. The phrase "no longer" already implies that something is not functional at the present time, so adding "anymore" is unnecessary.

What is the difference between "no longer functional" and "dysfunctional"?

"No longer functional" means something has stopped working entirely, while "dysfunctional" implies impaired or abnormal functioning. Something that is "dysfunctional" still works but not properly, while something that is "no longer functional" does not work at all.