barely operational

USAGE SUMMARY

"barely operational" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a machine or system that is functioning, but not functioning very well. For example, "The old computer was barely operational, so I had to buy a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The organisation said the airstrike, which also hit a civil defence unit, had left the hospital so badly damaged it was barely operational.

The Guardian

As of this writing, however, the attempt to illuminate the urban layering of visible and invisible dimensions was only barely operational, and so it is hard to know what the effect will be when the artists finish tinkering with the software and hardware.

The New York Times - Arts

This divided management system is barely operational even under normal conditions, and can be expected to be ineffective and even counter-effective under emergencies.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

It's perhaps unsurprising, then, that the panel has become barely operational.

Huffington Post

Breitbart Sports is, at this early stage in its existence, only barely operational.

Vice

Or perhaps because they're ready to have kids and have seen one too many parents struggle with a stroller on New York's now barely operational subways.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Without real operational autonomy (with the exception of ANADEB in Mali), these structures are barely functional and are unable to establish a framework of concerted action between the different ministries involved.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Nevertheless, CICIG had been fully operational for barely a year when Rosenberg was killed, and the case threatened some of the country's most untouchable figures.

The New Yorker

Another 28% went on recurrent operational costs, leaving barely 29% for development expenditure.

The Guardian

Small children could barely muster enough momentum to get the operational wheel to spin and found themselves running up the circular walls; just a little less axle grease, and the energy wheel doubles as a parkour simulator.

The New York Times

Of the rest, one-third have either no system or one that barely functions and the remainder have systems at varying levels of development and operational capacity[ 31].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barely operational" to accurately describe systems or entities that are functioning but with significant limitations or reduced capacity. This conveys a sense of urgency or potential failure.

Common error

Avoid using "barely operational" when the system is completely non-functional. The phrase implies some level of operation, however minimal. Instead, use terms like "non-functional" or "out of service" if something is completely broken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely operational" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating the extent to which something is functioning. Ludwig AI confirms this, demonstrating that it’s used to describe entities or systems functioning at a minimal capacity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barely operational" is used to describe something that is still functioning but with significant limitations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is uncommon, mostly appearing in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject has some functionality, however minimal, to avoid misrepresenting its state. Consider alternatives like "marginally functional" or "almost out of service" for different nuances. Remember that a system described as barely operational is likely to be on the verge of failure or in need of repair.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally functional

Implies a state of being functional to a minimal degree, very close in meaning to "barely operational".

almost out of service

Focuses on the proximity to complete failure or shutdown, emphasizing the precariousness of its operation.

nominally operational

Suggests that something is operational in name only, with underlying issues affecting performance.

scarcely working

Highlights the difficulty in maintaining operation, stressing the struggle to function.

in limited working order

Emphasizes that the functionality is restricted or compromised, less precise than "barely operational".

hardly functioning

Similar to "scarcely working", indicating significant difficulty in performing its intended function.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression meaning nearing the end of its operational life.

nearly defunct

Highlights the proximity to complete failure, where it might require some sort of intervention to go back to be operational.

suboptimally functioning

Indicates that the functionality is below the optimal level, less severe than "barely operational".

minimally functional

Stresses the minimalistic aspect of its functionality.

FAQs

How can I use "barely operational" in a sentence?

You can use "barely operational" to describe something that is still working, but not very well. For example: "After the storm, the hospital was "barely operational"."

What are some synonyms for "barely operational"?

Some alternatives to "barely operational" include "marginally functional", "scarcely working", or "almost out of service".

What does it mean when something is described as "barely operational"?

When something is described as "barely operational", it means that it is functioning at a minimal level, and may be on the verge of failing or breaking down completely.

Is "barely operational" the same as "non-operational"?

"Barely operational" implies some level of functionality, however limited. "Non-operational", on the other hand, means that something is not working at all.