out of whack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of whack" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something which is not working properly, or is not in balance. For example: "The economy has been out of whack ever since the pandemic hit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But "out of whack" fan experiences made him withdraw.

The New York Times

Your eating habits are out of whack.

HuffPost

"Something was out of whack".

The New York Times - Sports

"The state's out of whack.

The New York Times

Not all are so out of whack.

The New York Times

Compensation also still seems out of whack.

The New York Times

Nothing is out of whack here.

The New York Times - Food

"We are out of whack," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Their appetite regulation was out of whack.

The New York Times

Something is seriously out of whack.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The expectations were out of whack, and Wall Street doesn't do out-of-whack well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of whack", ensure the context clearly indicates what is imbalanced or malfunctioning. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "the system is out of whack", specify "the company's budget is out of whack".

Common error

While "out of whack" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "unbalanced", "disproportionate", or "malfunctioning" when writing for a formal audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of whack" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe a state of imbalance, disrepair, or improper functioning. It adds a descriptive layer to indicate something is not in its intended or optimal condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of whack" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe something that is imbalanced, malfunctioning, or not in proper order. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its frequent appearance in news and media sources. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "unbalanced" or "disproportionate" in professional or academic settings. Using "out of whack" effectively involves clearly specifying what is imbalanced to avoid ambiguity and ensuring its usage aligns with the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of kilter

A similar idiom suggesting imbalance or misalignment.

not functioning properly

This phrase directly addresses the malfunction or impaired operation of something.

unbalanced

Directly states the lack of balance or equilibrium.

not in order

This alternative focuses on the lack of organization or proper arrangement.

not aligned

Focuses on the lack of proper alignment or coordination.

amiss

Suggests something is wrong or not as it should be.

not quite right

A more general way to indicate something is off or incorrect.

in disarray

Implies a state of chaos and disorder.

not synchronized

Highlights a lack of coordination or simultaneous operation.

gone awry

Indicates that a plan or situation has deviated from the expected course, often with negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "out of whack" to describe something that is not balanced, not working correctly, or not in proper order. For example, "The economy has been "out of whack" since the pandemic began".

What's a more formal way to say "out of whack"?

In more formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "unbalanced", "disproportionate", or "malfunctioning" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "out of whack" grammatically correct?

Yes, "out of whack" is a grammatically correct idiom and is commonly used in spoken and written English. It is recognized and understood in a wide range of contexts.

What does it mean when someone says my priorities are "out of whack"?

When someone says your priorities are "out of whack", it means that they believe you are not focusing on the most important things or that your focus is misplaced. It suggests a need to re-evaluate and adjust your priorities.