How to pronounce defunct
Say it like dih-FUHNGKT. Defunct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUHNGKT).
- dih
- FUHNGKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Defunct pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FUHNGKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of defunct
American and British speakers say defunct in essentially the same way: /dɪˈfʌŋkt/ in the US and /dɪˈfʌŋkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-FUHNGKT.
What does defunct mean?
- No longer in use or active, nor expected to be again.
- No longer in business or service, nor expected to be again; out of business.
- Specifically, of a process: having terminated but not having been reaped (by its parent or an inheritor), and thus still occupying a process slot. See also zombie, zombie process.
- To make defunct.
- The dead person (referred to).
Where does defunct come from?
Borrowed from Latin dēfunctus, past participle of dēfungor (“to finish, discharge”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying defunct
How do you pronounce defunct?
Say dih-FUHNGKT. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfʌŋkt/. In British English it is /dɪˈfʌŋkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in defunct?
Defunct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUHNGKT). Broken into parts: dih · FUHNGKT.
Do Americans and Brits say defunct the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈfʌŋkt/ and the British form is /dɪˈfʌŋkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.