out of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of order" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It often implies that something is not functioning properly or in the correct sequence. For example, "The elevator is out of order, so we will have to take the stairs".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That phone is permanently out of order.

The New Yorker

"He is always out of order.

The New Yorker

Bang out of order.

Independent

"Power Boothe: Out of Order".

The New York Times

But that's out of order".

The New Yorker

They were well out of order".

Independent

Anything else today is out of order".

The Guardian

"Obviously it was way out of order".

The Guardian

"Simone was out of order," Dawa said.

The New Yorker

Then the thing went out of order.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Out-of-order loss is.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical object that is "out of order", consider specifying the reason if known (e.g., "The elevator is out of order due to maintenance").

Common error

Avoid using "out of order" to describe abstract concepts that simply disagree with your viewpoint. It's best suited for describing malfunctioning devices, or inappropriate behaviours.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of order" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. Examples show it describing the state of machines or the nature of behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of order" is a commonly used adjective phrase indicating that something is not functioning correctly or is inappropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings. When using "out of order", consider specifying the reason for the malfunction or inappropriateness for clarity. While widely accepted, ensure the context aligns with its intended meaning to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not functioning

Focuses specifically on the lack of functionality.

malfunctioning

Implies improper function, often due to a defect.

broken

A simple and direct term for something not working.

inoperative

A more formal way of saying not working.

not in service

Indicates temporary unavailability, often for maintenance.

defective

Highlights a flaw that prevents proper functioning.

in disrepair

Suggests a state of neglect and resulting malfunction.

amiss

Suggests something is wrong or not as it should be.

in chaos

Emphasizes the lack of order and proper arrangement.

unacceptable

Highlights something is inappropriate or improper.

FAQs

How can I use "out of order" in a sentence?

You can use "out of order" to describe something that is not functioning properly, such as "The vending machine is "out of order"". It can also describe something inappropriate, such as "His behavior was "out of order"".

What's the difference between "out of order" and "broken"?

"Broken" usually implies permanent damage rendering something unusable. "Out of order" can suggest a temporary state of malfunction or that something is not in its correct sequence.

What are some similar phrases to "out of order"?

Alternatives include "not functioning", "malfunctioning", or "inoperative" when referring to non-functional items. For inappropriate behavior, consider "unacceptable" or "inappropriate".

When is it appropriate to use "out of order" in formal writing?

While "out of order" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "inoperative" or "non-functional" in professional or academic contexts. For describing improper conduct, use "inappropriate" or "unacceptable".