is out of whack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is out of whack" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not functioning properly or is in a state of disarray. Example: "After the power surge, my computer is out of whack and keeps crashing unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nothing is out of whack here.

The New York Times - Food

The climate is out of whack.

The New York Times - Science

The problem is, this equation is out of whack.

The New Yorker

But even upright, something is out of whack.

The New York Times - Arts

"The tax system is out of whack," Senator Ogden said.

The New York Times

The intellectual versus commercial balance is out of whack.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The entire cycle is out of whack," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The whole ecology of the neighborhood is out of whack".

The New York Times

Only, he added, some of the visual grammar is out of whack.

The New Yorker

So if your wall or floor is out of whack, it compensates".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This formula is out-of-whack: each state has a unique political calculus, which varies among candidates and election cycles.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is out of whack" to describe situations where balance or proper functioning is disrupted, making sure the context clearly indicates what is imbalanced.

Common error

Avoid using "is out of whack" excessively in formal writing; opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "unbalanced" or "malfunctioning" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is out of whack" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject that is not in a proper or balanced state. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. Examples show it modifying diverse subjects like 'climate', 'tax system', and 'relationship to work'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "is out of whack" is a common and generally accepted way to describe something that is not functioning properly, is imbalanced, or is in a state of disarray. Ludwig AI confirms this. While its usage is prevalent across various contexts, it is more common in news and media, with a slightly informal tone. For more formal or scientific writing, consider using alternatives such as "is unbalanced" or "is malfunctioning" to maintain a professional tone. Be mindful of overusing it in formal contexts, and ensure that the context clearly indicates what is imbalanced or disrupted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not functioning properly

Focuses on the malfunctioning aspect rather than the imbalance.

is not working correctly

A more straightforward way of saying something isn't working right.

is unbalanced

Directly refers to a lack of equilibrium or proportion.

is in disarray

Highlights the state of disorder or confusion.

is not in order

Emphasizes a lack of proper arrangement or sequence.

is not aligned

Suggests a misalignment or lack of coordination.

is skewed

Indicates a deviation from what is considered normal or correct.

is haywire

Implies a chaotic or uncontrolled state.

is amiss

A more formal way of saying something is wrong or out of place.

is askew

Similar to skewed but emphasizes a physical or abstract deviation.

FAQs

How can I use "is out of whack" in a sentence?

You can use "is out of whack" to describe something that is not functioning properly or is unbalanced. For example, "The budget "is out of whack"; the debt is large and growing".

What does "is out of whack" mean?

"Is out of whack" is an idiomatic expression that means something is not in the correct state or is malfunctioning. It implies that there is an imbalance or a disruption in the proper functioning of something.

What can I say instead of "is out of whack"?

You can use alternatives like "is unbalanced", "is malfunctioning", or "is not functioning properly" depending on the context.

Is "is out of whack" formal or informal?

"Is out of whack" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal writing, it's best to use more precise and professional alternatives, such as "is not aligned" or "is in disarray".