Looking for synonyms for not working? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say not working.
- Inoperative
- Nonfunctional
- Malfunctioning
- Out of order
- Broken
- Dysfunctional
- Inactive
- Down
- Unresponsive
- Faulty
- Defective
- Offline
- Out of commission
- In disrepair
- Unusable
Want to learn how to say not working professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Inoperative
Appropriate Use: For machinery or systems that are not functioning.
Example: The air conditioning system is currently inoperative; we’re waiting for repairs.
2. Nonfunctional
Appropriate Use: When something is not operating or functioning as intended.
Example: After the update, some features of the software became nonfunctional.
3. Malfunctioning
Appropriate Use: When a device or system is not operating correctly.
Example: We are experiencing network issues due to a malfunctioning router.
4. Out of Order
Appropriate Use: For equipment or facilities that are not working and should not be used.
Example: The elevator is out of order; please use the stairs.
5. Broken
Appropriate Use: When something is damaged and no longer functional.
Example: The photocopier is broken; a technician has been called.
6. Dysfunctional
Appropriate Use: For something that is not operating normally or effectively.
Example: The dysfunctional communication system is causing delays in project updates.
7. Inactive
Appropriate Use: For something that is not currently in use or operation.
Example: The old database has been inactive since we migrated to the new system.
8. Down
Appropriate Use: Often used to describe systems, especially computer networks or servers, that are not operational.
Example: Our website is temporarily down due to scheduled maintenance.
9. Unresponsive
Appropriate Use: For systems or machinery that are not reacting as expected.
Example: The software became unresponsive after the error message appeared.
10. Faulty
Appropriate Use: When something has defects or is not functioning properly.
Example: We had to return the faulty equipment to the supplier.
11. Defective
Appropriate Use: For products or items that have flaws or malfunctions.
Example: The defective batch of batteries was recalled for safety reasons.
12. Offline
Appropriate Use: For systems or equipment that are not currently connected or operational, especially in computing.
Example: The server will be offline for a few hours for the upgrade.
13. Out of Commission
Appropriate Use: For something that is temporarily not working or available for use.
Example: The main conference room is out of commission due to renovations.
14. In Disrepair
Appropriate Use: For objects or structures that are in poor condition and not functioning well.
Example: The old warehouse has been in disrepair for years and needs significant work.
15. Unusable
Appropriate Use: For items that cannot be used due to malfunction or damage.
Example: After the flood, most of the equipment in the basement is unusable.
