low-functioning
adjective
(alsolow functioning)uk/ˌləʊˈfʌŋk.ʃən.ɪŋ/us/ˌloʊˈfʌŋk.ʃən.ɪŋ/notworkingveryeffectivelyor as well as it should:
Thepatienthad two low-functioningkidneys.
What are thesymptomsof alowfunctioninggallbladder?
sometimesoffensive
(of someone who has amentalhealthconditionor abrainconditionthataffectstheirdevelopment) notableto do some things that some otherpeoplewith theconditioncan do:
She hadworkedat aclinicfor low-functioningautisticpeople.
Theunitis for low-functioningadultswithlonghistoriesofmentalillness.
We don'tbelieveit'severOK to refer to thatgroupas "low-functioning".
Note:
- Some people prefer not to describe themselves or others as "low-functioning", because this word does not make it clear that people have different needs and that someone might be able to do some things but unable to do others. Describing someone as "low-functioning" can also be offensive because it suggests that this group of people is less important.
- A low-functioningthyroidcan beresponsiblefor arangeofuncomfortableconditions.
- Theprimarysymptomof theconditionis a low-functioning orabsentthymusgland, whichincreasessusceptibilitytoinfection.
- Without therighttreatment,peoplewhosufferabrainbleedcan beleftat low-functioningcapacity.
- Theirdaughteris seven and at thelowfunctioningend of theautismspectrum.
Failing and doing badly
- abjectly
- at-risk
- backbencher
- balls(something)up
- be on your beam endsidiom
- blow
- bomb
- collapse
- fall to piecesidiom
- fight a losing battleidiom
- flog
- flog a dead horseidiom
- flop
- founder
- rot
- running on emptyidiom
- sclerotic
- screw
- smoke
- the rot sets inidiom
Compare
high-functioning