not going well

USAGE SUMMARY

"not going well" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "I had a feeling that my job interview was not going well" or "The project has not been going well lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's not going well.

The New York Times

Not going well.

The New York Times

It was not going well.

The New Yorker

This is not going well.

Independent

It is not going well.

The New York Times

That's not going well.

The New York Times

Her work is not going well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It does not go well.

The New York Times

Hers does not go well.

The New York Times

Things do not go well.

The New York Times

This has not gone well.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not going well" to describe situations where progress is stalled or negative outcomes are occurring. It's versatile for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "not going well" is widely understood, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise or nuanced alternatives to better convey the specific nature of the problem. For example, use "experiencing significant challenges" or "failing to meet projected targets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not going well" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate its current state or condition. Ludwig shows that it describes a situation or activity that is experiencing problems or is not progressing as expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not going well" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations that are experiencing difficulties or failing to progress as expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for both spoken and written English, although it may be less suitable for highly formal or academic contexts where more precise language is preferred. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, reflecting its broad applicability to various scenarios. Consider alternatives such as "encountering difficulties" or "facing challenges" for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not progressing smoothly

Emphasizes the lack of ease in the advancement of something.

encountering difficulties

Highlights the presence of obstacles and problems.

facing challenges

Focuses on the confronting of problematic situations.

not turning out as planned

Indicates a deviation from the original expectations.

experiencing setbacks

Stresses the occurrence of impediments and reversals.

in a bad way

Implies a generally negative state of affairs.

running into trouble

Suggests the emergence of new problems.

failing to thrive

Indicates a lack of positive development and growth.

descending into chaos

Highlights an increasing lack of order or organization.

going downhill

Metaphorically expresses a decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

What does "not going well" mean?

The phrase "not going well" means that a situation, plan, or activity is experiencing difficulties, setbacks, or is generally failing to progress as expected.

How can I use "not going well" in a sentence?

You can use "not going well" to describe a variety of situations. For example, "The negotiations are "not going well"," or "My attempt to bake a cake is "not going well"."

What are some alternatives to "not going well"?

Some alternatives include "not progressing smoothly", "experiencing difficulties", or "facing challenges", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "not going well" in formal writing?

While "not going well" is widely understood, it can be considered too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "failing to meet projected targets" or "experiencing significant challenges" may be more suitable.