functioning vs operative

functioning and operative both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
functioning	Yes	Yes	No	No
operative	Yes	Yes	No	No

functioning (noun)	operative (noun)
process or manner of functioning or operating	someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information and assist in criminal investigations
	a person secretly employed in espionage for a government

functioning (adjective)	operative (adjective)
performing or able to perform its regular function	being in force or having or exerting force
	relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine
	(of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
	effective; producing a desired effect