Definitions

defunct

[dih-fuhngkt] / dɪˈfʌŋkt /

ADJECTIVE

extinct, not functioning

Synonyms

STRONGEST

nonexistent obsolete vanished

WEAK

asleep bygone cold dead deceased departed done for down the drain exanimate expired gone had it inanimate inoperative invalid kaput late lifeless lost out of commission

Antonyms

WEAK

alive existent existing functioning live operating operative valid working

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The reason for the separation between the businesses, Corley added, had to do with a defunct local law that forbade the two establishments existing under one umbrella.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

It is not uncommon for the units to train at defunct malls or abandoned businesses in Los Angeles County.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

It went on to expand its wares to other appliances such as garbage disposals and clothes dryers, outlasting rivals that were bought out or went defunct.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Now, customers of the defunct budget carrier are mourning the sub-$100 plane ticket that has virtually disappeared.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

With my cigar box of dollars and scrip left from my defunct newspaper delivery business, I went to Junior, the clerk at the drugstore counter, to find out.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Vocabulary lists containing defunct

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Grade 9, List 2

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The Lightning Thief

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