Meaning
Not functioning or working properly, broken.
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'out of order' can also be used informally to describe behavior that is unacceptable or rude. In the US, 'out of order' is almost exclusively used for machines. For rude behavior, Americans would say 'that's inappropriate' or 'that's uncalled for'. In international business, 'out of order' is universally understood as a technical status, making it a safe choice for global communication.
Use it for signs
If you are writing a sign for a broken machine, 'Out of Order' is the standard English phrase.
Don't use for people
Never say a person is 'out of order' unless you are in the UK and they are being rude.
Meaning
Not functioning or working properly, broken.
Use it for signs
If you are writing a sign for a broken machine, 'Out of Order' is the standard English phrase.
Don't use for people
Never say a person is 'out of order' unless you are in the UK and they are being rude.
Keep it simple
You don't need to explain why it's broken. Just saying 'It's out of order' is enough.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
The coffee machine is ____ ____ ____.
The correct idiom is 'out of order'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage.
Only machines can be 'out of order'.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Out of order = ?
Out of order means not working.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Can I use the printer? B: No, it's ____.
The printer is broken, so it is out of order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe coffee machine is ____ ____ ____.
The correct idiom is 'out of order'.
Choose the correct usage.
Only machines can be 'out of order'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Out of order means not working.
A: Can I use the printer? B: No, it's ____.
The printer is broken, so it is out of order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is better to say 'the car is broken' or 'the car is out of service'.
It is neutral and professional.
There is no plural. It stays the same.
No, just 'the machine is out of order'.
Yes, but 'out of order' is more specific to machines.
It implies the person is acting outside the 'order' of social norms.
Out-of-OR-der.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional emails.
Related Phrases
Out of service
synonymNot available for use.
On the fritz
similarBroken or malfunctioning.
Broken down
similarStopped working.
