not working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not working" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to signify that something is not functioning properly or is not functioning at all. Example sentence: "The computer is not working and I cannot access my files."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not working.

The New Yorker

DISHWASHER not working?

The Economist

But it's not working.

The New York Times

And it's not working.

The New York Times

It is not working.

The New York Times

"I hate not working.

The New York Times - Arts

"Well, it's not working".

The New Yorker

It's not working, obviously.

The New York Times

Engagement is not working".

The New York Times - Magazine

Austerity is not working.

Independent

"Not working, mother died.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not working" to describe a person's employment status, consider the context. "Unemployed" or "between jobs" might be more appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

In technical writing, avoid overuse of the phrase "not working". Instead, use more precise terms like "malfunctioning", "inoperative", or "experiencing errors" to provide more clarity and detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not working" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun. It indicates that something is in a non-operational or ineffective state. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used to express a lack of functionality or success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not working" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that something is either malfunctioning or ineffective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While its simplicity makes it suitable for both informal and professional settings, it's important to consider more precise language, such as "malfunctioning" or "inoperative", in technical writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, reflecting its general applicability. For alternative expressions, consider "out of order" or "ineffective" depending on the specific context. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, writers can use "not working" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not functioning

A more formal way of saying something is not working.

not operational

Similar to "not functioning", often used in technical contexts.

out of order

Indicates that something is temporarily broken or not functioning.

inoperative

A technical term for something that is not capable of being used.

not in service

Used to indicate that a device or system is temporarily unavailable.

broken down

Implies a complete failure of a system or device.

ineffective

Signifies that something is not producing the desired result.

unemployed

Specifically refers to a person who is not currently employed.

unfruitful

Describes something that is not yielding positive results or outcomes.

out of a job

A more informal way of saying someone is unemployed.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "not working"?

You can use alternatives like "out of order", "not functioning", or "ineffective" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "not working"?

"Not working" is appropriate in many contexts, from describing a broken appliance to an unsuccessful strategy. However, consider more precise language for technical writing or formal settings, like "inoperative".

How can I use "not working" in a sentence?

You can use "not working" to describe something that isn't functioning correctly: "The printer is not working." Or to describe a situation that isn't successful: "That strategy is not working".

Which is correct, "not working" or "isn't working"?

Both "not working" and "isn't working" are correct. "Isn't working" is a contraction of "is not working" and is more common in spoken or informal contexts, while "not working" might be preferred in more formal writing.