not working well

USAGE SUMMARY

"not working well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not functioning properly or efficiently. Example: "The new software update is not working well. It keeps crashing and causing errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not working well enough".

The Guardian - Tech

"The current process is not working well.

The New York Times

But plan A is not working well.

The Guardian - Sport

They felt sanctions were not working well.

The Guardian

"Is the mechanical system not working well or safely?

The New York Times

America's current border enforcement policies are not working well.

The New York Times

Almost everyone agrees that the EU is not working well.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's one reason smartphones are not working well as a medium for many advertisers.

The New York Times - Tech

We've also seen evidence that international cooperation on economic issues is not working well.

The New York Times

If the organs are not working well, toxic levels can accumulate in the bloodstream.

The New York Times - Health

"What I think has happened over time is that is not working well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not working well", be specific about what aspect is not functioning as expected. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "The project is not working well", specify "The project's timeline is not working well."

Common error

Avoid using "not working well" as a vague substitute for more precise descriptions of problems. For example, instead of "The system is not working well", identify if the issue is related to speed, accuracy, or reliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not working well" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It describes the manner in which something is not performing, highlighting a deficiency or problem in its operation. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not working well" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes something not functioning as intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for conveying inefficiency or malfunction. The phrase is versatile and appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. To enhance clarity, avoid vagueness by specifying what aspect is not functioning as expected. Common alternatives include "not functioning properly" and "ineffective". When writing, be sure to steer clear of overgeneralization by providing specifics about the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not functioning properly

Focuses more explicitly on the functional aspect of the problem.

not operating effectively

Emphasizes the operational aspect and the lack of desired results.

not performing adequately

Highlights that the performance is below expectations.

not running smoothly

Suggests the process is experiencing difficulties and interruptions.

not delivering results

Focuses on the lack of tangible outcomes or achievements.

not up to par

Indicates that the standard or expected level of performance is not being met.

failing to deliver

Emphasizes a complete failure to meet requirements or expectations.

malfunctioning

Directly implies a technical or mechanical fault.

ineffective

Highlights a lack of impact or desired outcome.

suboptimal

Indicates that the performance is less than the best possible.

FAQs

What does "not working well" mean?

The phrase "not working well" indicates that something is not functioning as intended, is inefficient, or is producing unsatisfactory results. It is a general term that can apply to various situations, from malfunctioning equipment to ineffective strategies.

What can I say instead of "not working well"?

You can use alternatives like "not functioning properly", "ineffective", or "suboptimal" depending on the context.

How do I use "not working well" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The new marketing strategy is "not working well", and we need to re-evaluate our approach."

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

Both phrases are acceptable, but "not working properly" often implies a specific malfunction, while "not working well" can also refer to inefficiency or ineffectiveness. The best choice depends on the specific context.