it is barely functional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is barely functional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is only just able to perform its intended function, often implying that it is not working well or is in poor condition. Example: "The old printer is so outdated that it is barely functional, often jamming and producing poor-quality prints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The assembly might fall but it will be built right back up again: the Northern Ireland executive is a zombie government that it is barely functional at the best of times, operating without an opposition or the ability to be rejected in an election, but continually shored up by the British and Irish governments because it is, like the banks, "too big to fail".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When the federal exchange opened last fall, the website collapsed under the pressure of millions of would-be users, and it was barely functional for a couple of months.

The New York Times

But as soon as get to the airport, I'm barely functional.

Vice

F.S.O.C. is M.I.A. O.F.R. is barely functional.

The New York Times

While Ben (Rogen) is barely functional, at least he has fun, unlike uptight Alison (Heigl).

The Guardian - Film

Many of my cousins and siblings are bilingual, serving as translators for those in the family whose English is barely functional.

The New York Times

The van has no air-conditioning, and the heater, typically weak in the old air-cooled VW engines, is barely functional because ducts are missing from the engine compartment.

The New York Times

From my perspective, the WTO is barely functional.

Huffington Post

Shell, the largest single operator, has closed its Western operations entirely, and its Eastern operations are barely functional.

Huffington Post

But by the time Loiseau arrived, in 1975, the kitchen was barely functional and the restaurant had lost all its stars.

The New Yorker

You're barely functional.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to highlight the precarious state of something, emphasizing that its functionality is at risk.

Common error

Avoid using "it is barely functional" in highly formal or technical reports. Opt for more precise language that quantifies the degree of functionality or specifies the exact limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is barely functional" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject. It indicates the subject's state of being, specifically highlighting a severely limited capacity to perform its intended function. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is barely functional" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe something operating at a minimal or near-failing level, and is particularly common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, avoiding the expression in highly formal or technical reports in favour of more specific language is advised. Alternative phrases, such as "it is hardly working" or "it is minimally operational", can provide similar meaning with varying degrees of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is hardly working

Indicates a slightly lower level of functionality than the original phrase, suggesting something is close to not working at all.

it is minimally operational

Uses more formal language to convey that something is functioning at the lowest possible level required.

it is almost non-operational

Emphasizes the nearness to a complete failure of function.

it is just about running

Suggests that something is working, but only just, and may stop at any moment.

it is scarcely usable

Highlights the difficulty or impracticality of using something in its current state.

it is teetering on functionality

Implies instability and a high risk of ceasing to function entirely.

it is on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating something is nearing the end of its useful life or functionality.

it is operating at a bare minimum

Focuses on the fact that the function is reduced to only the necessary actions.

it is virtually out of service

Similar to "almost non-operational" but more explicit in indicating that normal service is not possible.

it is only marginally effective

Suggests that even though it's functional it's far from meeting expectations or intended functionality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is barely functional" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives such as "it is minimally operational" or "it is operating at a bare minimum" for a more professional tone.

What does "it is barely functional" imply?

The phrase "it is barely functional" suggests that something is working, but only just, and is likely to fail or perform inadequately.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is barely functional"?

Use "it is barely functional" when you want to emphasize that something is on the verge of not working, highlighting its unreliable state.

Are there situations where using "it is barely functional" might be inappropriate?

Yes, in situations requiring precision or in formal reports, it's better to use more specific and quantifiable terms. For example, instead of "it is barely functional", specify the percentage of functionality remaining or the exact limitations.