not operational

USAGE SUMMARY

"not operational" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something that usually works is not currently in operation. For example, "The store's checkout system is not operational right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are operating, but it is not "operational" yet.

Huffington Post

"They're not operational".

The New York Times

It was not operational failure.

Independent

Innovation is not operational excellence.

Harvard Business Review

The connection is perhaps ideological, not operational".

The New York Times

It's not operational effectiveness, for one.

Harvard Business Review

MODEL: Online tool (currently not operational) for genetic association analysis.

Harvard University

Over three years and several million pounds later, the company is still not operational.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it is disappointing to learn that it is not operational.

The New York Times - Arts

The hammam was not operational, nor was the Wi-Fi system.

The New York Times - Travel

Four other flour mills in Gaza that were not operational were not targeted, he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing equipment or systems, use "not operational" to clearly state that they are currently unable to perform their intended function. It's a straightforward and widely understood term.

Common error

Avoid replacing simpler terms like "not working" with "not operational" when communicating with a general audience. Clarity is key; use language appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not operational" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is not currently in a working state. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, showing its versatile applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not operational" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is currently not functioning. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use is widespread across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "not operational" is generally neutral in tone, alternatives like ""out of service"" or "down for maintenance" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Avoid overusing technical jargon and ensure your language is clear and accessible to your intended audience. The term sees frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not working

A simpler, more direct way of saying something isn't operational.

out of service

Focuses on the unavailability of something for use.

not functioning

Emphasizes the lack of proper function or activity.

non-functional

Highlights the lack of functionality.

inoperative

A more formal synonym for not working.

disabled

Indicates that something has been rendered unable to function.

down for maintenance

Specifies the reason for being non-operational: upkeep or repair.

offline

Specifically refers to something disconnected from a network or power source.

unserviceable

Implies that something is beyond repair or unfit for use.

not in use

Highlights that something is currently not being utilized.

FAQs

How to use "not operational" in a sentence?

You can use "not operational" to describe anything that is currently not functioning. For example, "The elevator is "out of service" because it is "not operational".

What can I say instead of "not operational"?

You can use alternatives like ""out of service"", "not functioning", or "down for maintenance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not operational" or "unoperational"?

"Not operational" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Unoperational" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "not operational" and "broken"?

"Not operational" is a broader term that can include temporary states (like maintenance), while "broken" implies damage that needs repair. Something "not operational" might be fixed with a simple restart, whereas something "broken" requires more extensive work.