defunct
What does "defunct" mean?
The word "defunct" describes something that is no longer existing, functioning, or in use. Think of it as a state of permanent expiration; it is not just temporarily broken or paused, but officially finished or dead. It is most commonly used to describe organizations, laws, or systems that have been completely shut down. While "broken" or "expired" might suggest a chance for repair or renewal, "defunct" carries a sense of finality. It is a formal term often used in business or legal contexts to describe companies that have ceased operations or rules that are no longer enforced. You would not typically use it to describe a small, everyday object like a toaster, but rather something institutional or systematic.
"defunct" in conversation
Discussing an old startup
Whatever happened to that app everyone was using last year?
Whatever happened to that app everyone was using last year?
Oh, that company is defunct now. They ran out of funding months ago.
Oh, that company is defunct now. They ran out of funding months ago.
Used to explain the permanent closure of a business.
Cleaning out an office
We can toss those old files. The committee that created them is defunct.
We can toss those old files. The committee that created them is defunct.
Got it, I'll clear them out right away.
Got it, I'll clear them out right away.
Shows how the word applies to internal groups or committees.
"defunct" in a sentence
The defunct machine was sold for scrap metal.
The defunct machine was sold for scrap metal.
Many of the rules from the colonial era are now defunct.
Many of the rules from the colonial era are now defunct.
The organization became defunct following a series of financial scandals that crippled its operations.
The organization became defunct following a series of financial scandals that crippled its operations.
