it is not functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is not working or operating as intended. Example: "The printer is out of order because it is not functioning properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is not functioning in a way that necessarily reflects economic reality.

The Guardian

The council's decision also extends the term of the Palestinian Authority's parliament, although it is not functioning now because of the split between Fatah and Hamas.

The New York Times

However, some of its leading member companies have well-developed ties with foreign partners: 'In the EU there is a platform on mineral resources but it is not functioning.

Triple Helix

West believes that the yearning for the source of good in one's family, even when it is not functioning properly, is a redemptive sign.

Huffington Post

Regardless of their hardest attempts they and their families were constantly caught in this cycle -- a cycle that our country is complicit in creating, supporting and allowing to continue even when it is not functioning correctly.

Huffington Post

Indeed, the current situation in Iraq should be a cautionary tale for all democracies: If a state cannot guarantee the political and civil rights of its citizens, if it cannot enforce judicial or administrative rulings because it is outgunned by individuals or factions, then it is not functioning as a democratic state.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, when it isn't functioning properly it can be the root of a lot of problems.

Huffington Post

The company had stores operation at all its plants, some portions centralized, other portions plant specific, and often it was not functioning like a modern store to routinely meet kind, quantity, and availability requirements.

Making Common Sense Common Practice models for manufacturing excellence

"We have no GPS, it's not functioning".

The Guardian

"The system was tested in the lobby by two experienced chiefs who came to the conclusion that it was not functioning," he said, referring to the north tower.

The New York Times

Before the passage of the Affordable Care Act, America's health-care system, particularly the individual-insurance part of it, was not functioning well.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is not functioning", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and improves clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, "it is not functioning" can sometimes sound clunky in highly formal writing. Consider more concise alternatives like "it is inoperative" or "it is non-operational" for a smoother tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not functioning" serves as a declarative statement indicating that a particular entity or system is unable to perform its intended task or operate as expected. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is not functioning" correctly describes something that isn't working or operating as intended. Ludwig confirms this. It finds common usage in News & Media and Science contexts, serving to inform about the non-operational status of a subject. While grammatically sound, consider alternatives like "inoperative" in more formal contexts for stylistic refinement. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Overall, "it is not functioning" is a clear, though not overly frequent, way to communicate a lack of functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it isn't working

Contraction "isn't" used instead of "is not".

it is out of order

Replaces "not functioning" with a common idiom for broken machinery.

it is not operational

Uses a more formal synonym for "functioning".

it is inoperative

Employs a synonym with a slightly more technical feel.

it is not in service

Indicates temporary unavailability rather than complete failure.

it is not up and running

Uses a more colloquial expression for lack of operation.

it is defective

Highlights a fault or flaw causing the non-functionality.

it is broken

Simple and direct term for something not working.

it is not performing as expected

Focuses on the discrepancy between the intended and actual performance.

it is malfunctioning

Uses a more technical term to describe the state of not functioning correctly.

FAQs

What does "it is not functioning" mean?

The phrase "it is not functioning" means that something is not working correctly or is unable to perform its intended purpose. It indicates a state of inactivity or malfunction.

What can I say instead of "it is not functioning"?

You can use alternatives such as "it isn't working", "it is out of order", or "it is inoperative" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is not functioning" or "it isn't functioning"?

Both "it is not functioning" and "it isn't functioning" are correct. The contracted form, "it isn't functioning", is more common in informal contexts, while the full form might be preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "it is not functioning" and "it is not working"?

The phrases "it is not functioning" and "it is not working" are very similar in meaning. "Functioning" may imply a more complex or technical operation, but they are often interchangeable.