Vocabulary Spotlight
Defunct
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: No longer existing, functioning, or in use; obsolete.
“The company’s website is now defunct, with no updates or activities for years.”
Pronunciation
[dih-fuhngkt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Extinct
Disused
Inoperative
Outdated
Antonyms
Functional
Operating
Existing
Alive
Related Words
Decommissioned (adjective)
Deprecated (adjective)
Word Origin
“Defunct” originates from the Latin “defunctus,” meaning “dead or finished,” referring to something that has ceased to function or exist.
Word Family
Verb: Deactivate – To make inactive or no longer in use.
Noun: Obsolescence – The process of becoming obsolete or out of date.
Mnemonics
Think “defunct” as “de-function” – something that no longer functions or operates.
Industry-specific Usage
Technology
In technology, defunct systems or software are outdated and no longer in operation or support.
Business
A defunct business is one that has ceased operations and is no longer active in the market.
Historical Context
Defunct organizations or entities refer to those that no longer exist, such as former empires or governments.
In Context
“Defunct” is commonly used to describe anything that has ceased to operate or exist, from companies to technologies and social norms, often highlighting the end of relevance or functionality.