Can a fuse be bad and still work?

I'm curious, can a fuse be considered faulty or defective, yet still manage to function and perform its intended purpose? Is it possible for a fuse to show signs of wear or damage, yet still maintain its ability to protect electrical circuits from overloading or short-circuiting? I'm asking because I've heard conflicting opinions on this matter, and I'm eager to understand the intricacies of fuse behavior and how they can continue to work despite potential issues.