not working properly

USAGE SUMMARY

"not working properly" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as, "The computer was not working properly, so I had to reboot it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the moment it's not working properly.

The Guardian

The machine was apparently not working properly again.

The New Yorker

"And go really easy, in case something's not working properly.

The New Yorker

Press regulation is not working properly, she argues.

The Guardian

There were also reports that some plows were overheating or not working properly.

The New York Times

Many of the public address systems on trains are not working properly.

The New York Times

If a single screw is not working properly, the entire mechanism will ground to a halt".

The Guardian - Books

Air con not working properly, so crammed on a train for 2hrs 15m.

The Guardian

"If security is not working properly," she said, "we shut down the affected area".

The New York Times

The injured brain frequently knows it's not working properly, but the knowledge is useless.

The New York Times - Arts

A Mercedes spokesman said later: "It was a configuration not working properly, not the driver's fault.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex system failing, specify which part is "not working properly" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not working properly" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, identify specific issues like 'the connection is unstable' or 'the motor is overheating' for clarity.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "not working properly" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of malfunction or suboptimal performance. Ludwig examples demonstrate this across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not working properly" is a versatile phrase used to describe malfunctions or suboptimal performance across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral in register, it's important to be specific about what isn't working and how to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "malfunctioning" and "out of order", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Be mindful of overuse and strive for precision in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not functioning correctly

Replaces 'properly' with the more formal 'correctly'.

not in good working order

A more descriptive and slightly formal way to express the same idea.

malfunctioning

Single word substitution that more directly implies a fault.

operating incorrectly

Changes the verb to 'operating', implying an ongoing process.

performing poorly

Focuses on the outcome or performance quality.

out of order

A common idiom for being non-operational.

not running well

Specifically refers to systems or processes that should 'run'.

faulty

A succinct way of indicating that something has a defect.

defective

Single word substitution implying it has flaws.

not up to par

An idiomatic expression that means not meeting the required standard.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "not working properly"?

Alternatives include "malfunctioning", "out of order", or "defective", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not working properly" or "not working correctly"?

Both are acceptable, but "not working properly" is slightly more common and informal. "Not working correctly" may sound more precise in certain formal contexts.

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

Example: "The software is "not working properly", causing errors during data processing." Always ensure the context makes the meaning clear.

What's the difference between "not working properly" and "not working at all"?

"Not working properly" implies that something is functioning suboptimally or with errors. "Not working at all" means it's completely non-operational.