well-functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that operates effectively or efficiently, often in reference to systems, processes, or devices. Example: "The well-functioning team was able to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

These networks guarantee the well-functioning of cities.

Geographical Models with Mathematica

But one well-functioning body part is better than nothing.

The New York Times

"Ten to 15percentt of students will use a well-functioning counseling center," he says, "but 50 to 80percentt will come to a well-functioning health center".

The New York Times

To dwell inside a well-functioning machine is to be largely unaware of its functioning.

The New Yorker

The participating countries are well-functioning democracies.

The Economist

It had a well-functioning administrative system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

We found them to be extremely well functioning families.

The Guardian

Obviously, there are benefits to well functioning financial markets.

The Economist

"Pathology is at the centre of a well functioning hospital.

BBC

For obvious reasons, Uber is seriously concerned about punitive government intervention in a well functioning marketplace.

TechCrunch

First and foremost, a well functioning 'pharmacy' requires sensible nutrition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well-functioning" to describe systems, organizations, or processes that operate efficiently and achieve their intended goals. For example, "a well-functioning healthcare system".

Common error

Be mindful of hyphenation. "Well functioning" (without a hyphen) is acceptable as two separate words, but "well-functioning" is preferred when used as a compound adjective before a noun. Avoid using "good-functioning" as a substitute, as it's less common and can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-functioning" primarily serves as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their operational status, indicating that something is working correctly and effectively, in accordance with Ludwig's observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-functioning" is a common and grammatically correct compound adjective used to describe something that operates effectively and efficiently. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, remember to hyphenate it when it precedes a noun. Alternatives include "efficient", "effective", and "operational". Whether you're describing a "well-functioning" team, economy, or system, this phrase is a versatile and reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

efficient

Emphasizes the ability to avoid wasting materials, energy, efforts, money and time in doing something or in producing a desired result.

effective

Highlights the capability of producing a desired result or having a successful effect.

operational

Focuses on the state of being in use or ready for use.

in working order

Indicates that something is in a suitable condition for normal operation.

functional

Stresses the practical use and design of something.

orderly

Highlights the characteristic of being systematically arranged or regulated.

smooth-running

Implies that something proceeds without problems or difficulties.

performing well

Describes the action of doing something successfully or effectively.

in good shape

Refers to something being in a satisfactory condition.

viable

Emphasizes the capacity to function independently.

FAQs

How to use "well-functioning" in a sentence?

You can use "well-functioning" to describe anything that operates effectively. For example: "A "well-functioning democracy" requires an informed electorate."

What can I say instead of "well-functioning"?

Alternatives to "well-functioning" include "efficient", "effective", or "operational" depending on the context. For instance, you could say "an efficient team" instead of "a well-functioning team".

Is it correct to say "well functioning" instead of "well-functioning"?

While "well functioning" is grammatically acceptable as two separate words, "well-functioning" is generally preferred when used as a compound adjective before a noun, like "a well-functioning system".

What are some examples of a "well-functioning" system?

Examples of a "well-functioning" system include a "well-functioning economy", a "well-functioning team", or a "well-functioning hospital". Each of these operates effectively and achieves its intended purpose.