How to pronounce functioning
Say it like FUHNGK-shuh-ning. Functioning has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUHNGK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce functioning. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FUHNGK
- shuh
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Functioning pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FUHNGKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of functioning
American and British speakers say functioning in essentially the same way: /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: FUHNGK-shuh-ning.
What does functioning mean?
- performing or able to perform its regular function“a functioning flashlight”
- process or manner of functioning or operating“the power of its engine determines its operation”“the plane's operation in high winds”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying functioning
How do you pronounce functioning?
Say FUHNGK-shuh-ning. The American pronunciation is /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in functioning?
Functioning has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUHNGK). Broken into parts: FUHNGK · shuh · ning.
Do Americans and Brits say functioning the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.