doesn't work well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doesn't work well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to situations where something does not operate or perform in an effective manner. For example: "The printer doesn't work well, so I have to take it to the repair shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The mobile phone doesn't work well.

The New York Times

But fear doesn't work well.

The New York Times

So, the market doesn't work well.

Yale University

Now, that doesn't work well necessarily also.

Cornell University

It doesn't work well when you're sick.

The Washington Post

"EBay just doesn't work well for tickets, because it doesn't work well for time-sensitive items.

The Guardian - Business

It doesn't work well," has already been widely circulated.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That does not work well in politics.

The Economist

Economically, that formula does not work well.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, outsourcing moderation does not work well for every company.

The New York Times

If that does not work well enough, consider the glasses.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific problem, follow "doesn't work well" with a clarifying phrase. For example, "The app doesn't work well on older phones" provides more context.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, avoid using "doesn't work well" too frequently. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "is ineffective" or "malfunctions" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't work well" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something is not performing as expected or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doesn't work well" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express that something is not functioning effectively. Ludwig AI validates its broad applicability, although more formal synonyms might be preferred in certain contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, followed by general-purpose websites and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that a more precise alternative isn't needed for enhanced clarity or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired outcome or result.

is not effective

A more formal way of saying something is ineffective.

is malfunctioning

Specifically implies a fault or defect in operation.

is not functioning properly

A technical way of saying something is not working correctly.

is underperforming

Suggests that something is not meeting expectations or potential.

is not up to par

Indicates that something is below an acceptable standard.

falls short

Implies that something is lacking or deficient.

is deficient

A formal way of saying something is lacking a necessary quality or element.

is flawed

Highlights the presence of imperfections that hinder performance.

is suboptimal

Indicates that something is not producing the best possible outcome.

FAQs

What does "doesn't work well" mean?

The phrase "doesn't work well" means that something is not functioning effectively or as intended. It implies that there are issues hindering its performance or preventing it from achieving the desired outcome.

What are some alternatives to "doesn't work well"?

You can use alternatives such as "is ineffective", "is malfunctioning", or "is not functioning properly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "doesn't work well" in formal writing?

While "doesn't work well" is generally understood, it might be considered too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. In such cases, opting for more formal alternatives like "is not effective" or "is suboptimal" could be more appropriate.

How can I use "doesn't work well" in a sentence?

You can use "doesn't work well" to describe various situations. For example: "The new software update doesn't work well with older operating systems", or "This strategy doesn't work well in competitive markets".