Definition

No longer in use, existing, or functioning; something that has stopped operating or is no longer relevant.

Example

The defunct factory has been abandoned for years.

Conversation

Did you hear that the old arcade is defunct now?

Really? I used to love playing games there as a kid.

Yeah, it's sad to see it go; it feels like part of our childhood is defunct.

Totally! We should find a new place to hang out and make new memories.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defunct is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "functus" (meaning performed or executed, from the verb "fungi"). The word describes something that has ceased to function or is no longer in operation, literally meaning having been performed or executed down or away from its active state.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has 'gone away' ('de-') from its 'performance' ('functus') — that's why defunct means no longer functioning.

Visually Confused Words