not functioning correctly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not functioning correctly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system, device, or process that is not operating as intended or expected. Example: "The printer is not functioning correctly, and I need to troubleshoot the issue before I can print the documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Research has shown that most existing fishways in China are not functioning correctly.

Ecological Engineering

But when your mind is not functioning correctly, you're not thinking clearly, you lose that opportunity," he said.

The Guardian

"They have to understand that if discomfort or pain is being suffered, it means that something is not functioning correctly.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, inspection of the tuned mass dampers installed on the bridge to reduce the level of vibration in the first mode showed that they were not functioning correctly after the last event.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Dr. Gary I. Wadler, an associate professor of medicine at New York University and a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency, said if a pituitary gland was not functioning correctly, a deficiency of H.G.H. could occur in the body.

The New York Times

Two and half weeks later it came back – still not functioning correctly.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

This is necessary, otherwise your safety bindings may not function correctly.

The Guardian - Travel

If the extension is not approved with in 30 minutes the software will not function correctly.

Stanford University

Every wing, as well as the tail, has a stall speed, a minimum speed below which it will not function correctly.

The New York Times

You should read this section carefully before installing Emacspeak, because Emacspeak will not function correctly if any of the requirements are missing.

Cornell University

Check the printer's power and network connections – If either cable has become unplugged at either end, it will not function correctly.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not functioning correctly", be specific about what aspect isn't working and, if possible, the potential cause. For example, instead of saying "The device is not functioning correctly", try "The device is not functioning correctly; the display is flickering and unresponsive."

Common error

Avoid using "not functioning correctly" as a catch-all phrase without providing specific details. Readers need context to understand the problem. Saying, "The system is not functioning correctly", lacks the impact of, "The system is not functioning correctly; user authentication is failing due to a server outage."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not functioning correctly" serves as a descriptive phrase, indicating that a system, device, or process is not operating as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not functioning correctly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that isn't working as expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable and understood across various contexts. While alternatives like ""malfunctioning"" or ""not working properly"" exist, the choice depends on the level of detail and the intended audience. Remember to be specific about the issues to enhance clarity and provide useful information. Overall, this phrase is a valuable part of the English language for accurately conveying operational problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malfunctioning

A single word that succinctly conveys the idea of something not working properly.

not working properly

A more common and general way to describe something that isn't working as expected.

out of order

Suggests a temporary state of being non-functional, often used for machines or systems.

defective

Implies an inherent flaw or fault that prevents proper operation.

not in working order

A more formal way of saying something is not functional.

faulty

Similar to defective, suggesting a flaw that causes improper function.

broken

A simple and direct term for something that is not working due to damage or failure.

non-operational

A more technical term indicating something is not able to be used.

impaired

Indicates that something's function is diminished or weakened.

inoperative

Similar to non-operational, emphasizing the inability to operate.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not functioning correctly"?

Alternatives include "malfunctioning", "not working properly", or "out of order" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not functioning correctly" or "malfunctioning"?

"Malfunctioning" is more concise. "Not functioning correctly" provides more detail, which can be useful for clarity. The best choice depends on the desired level of detail and formality.

What does it mean when something is "not functioning correctly"?

It means that the thing in question isn't performing its intended function in the way it's supposed to, whether due to a defect, damage, or some other issue.

Can "not functioning correctly" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, while often used for physical objects, "not functioning correctly" can also describe abstract systems or processes. For example, "The market is "not functioning correctly" if information is not being disseminated accurately."