not currently working

USAGE SUMMARY

"not currently working" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something isn't currently happening or is temporarily inactive. For example: "My laptop is not currently working, so I need to use the school computer to complete my assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But RockMelt is not currently working with Facebook.

The New York Times - Tech

Three were young women who were not currently working.

The New York Times

Mandiant is not currently working for The New York Times Company.

The New York Times

Annunziata had been a motel manager but is not currently working.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wilton got a job with Toyota, although she is not currently working.

The Guardian - Money

A spokesman said this week it was not currently working for the government of Saudi Arabia.

The Guardian

There were significant differences between subjects who were not currently working or attending school versus those who were.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

He is not currently working as a doctor, and is focusing on writing a book on Iraq.

The Guardian

The barrister said Flowers had "lost so much" as a result of the affair and was not currently working.

The Guardian

He is not currently working as a doctor, and is focusing on writing a book on Iraq.

The Guardian

We also are researching areas that HP is not currently working in, and that goes for our mobile team, too.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, clearly specify the context when using "not currently working." For example, clarify if it refers to a software feature, a network service, or a hardware component.

Common error

Avoid using "not currently working" when describing a permanent or indefinite situation. Phrases like "retired", "disabled", or "permanently out of work" are more appropriate for long-term unemployment or inability to work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not currently working" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often used as part of a larger sentence to specify the employment status of a person or the operational state of a system or service. It indicates a temporary or ongoing lack of employment or activity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not currently working" serves as a versatile descriptor indicating a temporary state of unemployment or inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While neutral in tone, it's essential to use it appropriately, considering the specific context and potential sensitivities. Alternatives like "currently jobless" or "temporarily inactive" may offer more specific or polite ways to convey the intended meaning. Remember to avoid using it in place of more permanent descriptors like "retired" or "disabled".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently jobless

A straightforward synonym, emphasizing the lack of employment.

unemployed at the moment

Indicates a temporary state of being without a job; slightly more informal.

not presently employed

A formal and direct way to state someone's unemployment status.

presently out of work

A more formal way of saying someone is unemployed.

between jobs

Suggests a temporary state of unemployment while seeking new opportunities.

not in operation right now

Used when referring to a machine, system, or service that is temporarily unavailable.

temporarily inactive

Suggests a pause in activity, often used for systems or accounts.

on a career break

Implies a voluntary period of not working, often for personal development or family reasons.

taking time off work

Suggests a temporary absence from work, often for vacation or personal reasons.

not functioning at the moment

Indicates that something (usually a device or system) is not working properly or is out of service.

FAQs

What is a polite way to say someone is "not currently working"?

You can use phrases like "currently jobless", "presently out of work", or "between jobs" to soften the statement.

Is it appropriate to ask why someone is "not currently working"?

It's generally best to avoid asking directly why someone is "not currently working", as it can be a sensitive topic. Instead, focus on offering support or asking if they are open to discussing their career goals.

What are some alternatives to "not currently working" in a technical context?

In a technical context, you might say "temporarily inactive", "not functioning at the moment", or "not in operation right now" to describe systems or features that are unavailable.

How does the meaning of "not currently working" differ from "retired"?

"Not currently working" implies a temporary or potentially reversible situation, while "retired" indicates a permanent departure from the workforce, typically due to age or health reasons.