is not working well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not working well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, system, or process that is not functioning effectively. Example: "The new software update is not working well, causing delays in our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But plan A is not working well.

The Guardian - Sport

"The current process is not working well.

The New York Times

Almost everyone agrees that the EU is not working well.

The Guardian - Opinion

We've also seen evidence that international cooperation on economic issues is not working well.

The New York Times

"What I think has happened over time is that is not working well.

The New York Times

If I see a veteran guy who is not working well, I will cut him back".

The New York Times - Sports

In much of the world, democracy predates liberty, and is not working well.

The Economist

"If that is the public policy goal," he added, "it is not working well".

The New York Times

It has lots of services firms, and the single market is not working well for those.

The Economist

What is not working well for them could be a great opportunity for you".

The New York Times

The commission is not working well, customers need reassurance, and businesses need their confidence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not working well", be specific about why it isn't working well. Instead of saying "the system is not working well", specify "the system is not working well because of outdated software."

Common error

Avoid using "is not working well" as a standalone statement. Provide context or explain the consequences. For example, instead of just saying "the marketing strategy is not working well", elaborate with "the marketing strategy is not working well, resulting in decreased lead generation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not working well" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular system, process, or entity is not performing as expected or desired. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is appropriate for describing something that is not functioning effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not working well" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe situations, systems, or processes that are underperforming or ineffective. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for use in written English. While ubiquitous, it's best practice to be specific about why something isn't working well, as vague statements provide limited informational value. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase commonly appears in News & Media, Scientific and Formal contexts, signifying its widespread acceptance. When you need to convey something is deficient or needs adjustment, consider this phrase a solid, neutral choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is malfunctioning

Focuses specifically on a failure in proper operation.

is not functioning correctly

Emphasizes the lack of proper function or operation.

is underperforming

Indicates a failure to meet expected performance levels.

is not up to par

Suggests that something does not meet the required standard.

is proving ineffective

Highlights the lack of effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.

is falling short

Implies that something is not reaching a necessary goal or standard.

is not delivering results

Focuses on the absence of expected outcomes or accomplishments.

is creating problems

Shifts focus to the negative consequences of something's operation.

is deficient

Points out the lack of an essential quality or element.

is impractical

Highlights the unsuitability or non-viability of something in real-world situations.

FAQs

How can I use "is not working well" in a sentence?

You can use "is not working well" to describe a situation or process that isn't effective. For instance, "The new software update "is not working well", causing delays" or "The current strategy "is not working well", and we need to revise it."

What are some alternatives to "is not working well"?

Alternatives include "is malfunctioning", "is underperforming", or "is proving ineffective". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is not working well" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something isn't functioning as intended or isn't achieving the desired outcome. It is important to provide context explaining why something "is not working well".

What's the difference between "is not working well" and "is broken"?

"Is broken" suggests a complete failure, while "is not working well" indicates that something still functions to some degree but "is underperforming" or inefficient. For example, a broken car won't start; a car that "is not working well" might start but have engine problems.