unserviceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unserviceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not functioning or cannot be used effectively, often in the context of equipment or machinery. Example: "The old printer is now unserviceable and needs to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In 1839 the secretary of war complained that "when mustered, a majority of [the militias] are armed with walking canes, fowling pieces or unserviceable muskets".

The Economist

But most businessmen and bankers resisted such steps.Mr Thaksin took their side, arguing that many investments that looked worthless and loans that looked unserviceable when the economy was stagnant would appear plausible once growth picked up again.

The Economist

Too many people live in unserviceable places.

The Economist

The air vice-marshal offers a two-page explanation of the problem trip, including the facts that the plane was not a Ministry of Defence aircraft and that it had been "unserviceable" when it landed.

Independent

His full fleet amounted to a formidable armada, but many of the ships were old and unserviceable and their crews were poorly trained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last November, engineers at one of the nation's major airlines, Air Nigeria, went on strike over what a union leader said was the wrongful operation of "unserviceable aircraft".

The New York Times

"An unserviceable aircraft never gets out.

The New York Times

As both Gaddis and Westad point out, the superpowers deployed ideologies that were more or less unserviceable amid the sands or jungles.

The Guardian - Books

The unfortunate Quinlan, whose empire was once worth £10bn, was disappearing under a mountain of unserviceable debt.

The Guardian - Business

With less tax going to government and rising public expenditure for benefits, debt rises and either destabilises the currency or it becomes unserviceable.

The Guardian

He went on, "In dream-life, the child that is in man pursues its existence, as it were, and retains all its characteristics and wishful impulses, even such as have become unserviceable in later life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "unserviceable" adds a degree of technical precision when referring to items that are out of commission.

Common error

Avoid using "unserviceable" as a general synonym for 'bad' or 'undesirable'. It specifically refers to items that are out of working order or unfit for their intended purpose. For general negativity, use words like "poor", "inadequate", or "ineffective".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unserviceable" primarily functions to describe something that is not in working order or is unfit for its intended use. Ludwig AI highlights this use in examples involving aircraft, muskets and debts. The word modifies nouns indicating a state of disrepair or inoperability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unserviceable" is an adjective used to describe something that is not in working order or is unfit for its intended use. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news media and encyclopedic contexts. While synonyms like "out of order" or "inoperable" exist, "unserviceable" lends a more formal and technical tone. It's crucial to use "unserviceable" appropriately, avoiding its misuse as a general term for 'bad' and reserving it for situations where equipment or systems are genuinely out of commission. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately use "unserviceable" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of order

A common and straightforward way to indicate something is not functioning.

not functioning

A direct and clear expression of non-operational status.

inoperable

Implies a complete inability to function, often due to mechanical failure.

unusable

Highlights the inability to be used for its intended purpose.

defective

Suggests a flaw or imperfection that prevents proper functioning.

broken

A simple and widely understood term for something that doesn't work.

non-operational

A more formal way of saying something is not currently working.

unfit for service

Emphasizes that something is not suitable for its intended use or duty.

unserviceable condition

Adding "condition" emphasizes that this is the state of the item.

beyond repair

Indicates that the item is damaged to the point where fixing it is not possible or practical.

FAQs

How is "unserviceable" typically used in a sentence?

The word "unserviceable" is usually used to describe equipment or machinery that is not in working order. For example, "The aircraft was declared "unserviceable" due to engine failure."

What are some synonyms for "unserviceable"?

Alternatives to "unserviceable" include "out of order", "inoperable", or "unusable", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "unserviceable" instead of "broken"?

"Unserviceable" is more formal and technical than "broken". Use "unserviceable" when describing equipment or systems in a professional or official context. For everyday items, "broken" is usually sufficient.

Is it correct to say something is 'partially unserviceable'?

Yes, you can use "partially unserviceable" to indicate that something is still functioning but not at full capacity or with some limitations. It suggests a degree of impairment without total failure.