In 15 Seconds
- Use it to report a broken device or a failed plan.
- A polite, low-stress way to describe a problem.
- Works for technology, schedules, and even personal relationships.
Meaning
You use this phrase when a machine, a system, or a situation is broken or failing to do what it should. It is a polite and direct way to report a problem without sounding too angry.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a coffee shop
Excuse me, the Wi-Fi password's not working.
Excuse me, the Wi-Fi password's not working.
In a business meeting
I'm sorry, the projector's not working for some reason.
I'm sorry, the projector's not working for some reason.
Texting a friend about a plan
Friday's not working for me anymore. Can we do Saturday?
Friday's not working for me anymore. Can we do Saturday?
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'Something's not working' is often followed immediately by a request for a 'fix' or 'solution.' It is seen as a proactive start to problem-solving. British speakers often use this phrase with 'I'm afraid' or 'I think' to make it even more polite and less direct. When speaking English, Japanese learners might find this phrase very comfortable because it avoids direct confrontation, which aligns with the concept of 'Wa' (harmony). While Germans value directness, in a formal international business setting, they will use this phrase to remain professional while signaling a technical stop.
The 'With' Rule
Always follow the phrase with 'with' if you want to name the specific object causing trouble (e.g., 'Something's not working with the remote').
Don't say 'is not work'
This is the most common error. Always use the '-ing' ending.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to report a broken device or a failed plan.
- A polite, low-stress way to describe a problem.
- Works for technology, schedules, and even personal relationships.
What It Means
Something's not working is your go-to phrase for any technical or situational hiccup. It literally means a device or a process has stopped functioning correctly. It is the softer, more natural cousin of saying "it is broken." Use it when your coffee machine won't start or your Wi-Fi signal disappears. It focuses on the result rather than the cause. You are simply stating a fact about the current state of things.
How To Use It
This phrase is incredibly flexible. You can use it as a standalone sentence or add a specific subject. For example, My key's not working or The link's not working. Notice the contraction Something's—that is the is hiding in there. In casual speech, we almost always use the contraction. It makes you sound more like a native speaker. If you want to be more specific, you can say Something's not working right. This implies it is functioning, but poorly. It is like a car that makes a weird noise but still drives.
When To Use It
You can use this almost anywhere. At a hotel, tell the front desk The shower's not working. At the office, tell IT The printer's not working again. It is great for texting a friend when a meeting plan falls through. You might say, Our plan's not working, let's meet later. It is also perfect for those awkward moments when you can't explain why something is wrong. You just know it isn't doing its job. It saves you from needing technical vocabulary you might not have yet.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people’s health. You wouldn't say My leg's not working if you broke it; that sounds a bit robotic. Avoid using it for serious emotional crises unless you are being metaphorical. If a friend is crying, don't say Your eyes are not working. That would be very weird! Also, if something is physically shattered into pieces, It's broken is a better choice. Not working implies it looks fine but doesn't function.
Cultural Background
English speakers often prefer understating problems. Instead of shouting "This machine is garbage!", we say Something's not working. It is a way to stay calm and polite. It invites the other person to help you solve the problem. In the UK and US, being too dramatic about a small tech fail can seem rude. This phrase keeps the mood light and productive. It’s the "keep calm and carry on" approach to a frozen computer screen.
Common Variations
It's not working(The most common version)Something isn't working(A bit more emphasis on the 'not')This isn't working for me(Used for relationships or plans)Things aren't working out(Used when a situation or romance is failing)It's acting up(When it works sometimes but not others)
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and works in 95% of situations. Just remember to use 'is not' or 'isn't' to keep the grammar correct.
The 'With' Rule
Always follow the phrase with 'with' if you want to name the specific object causing trouble (e.g., 'Something's not working with the remote').
Don't say 'is not work'
This is the most common error. Always use the '-ing' ending.
Softening the blow
Add 'I think' or 'It seems like' at the beginning to sound even more polite in professional settings.
Examples
6Excuse me, the Wi-Fi password's not working.
Excuse me, the Wi-Fi password's not working.
A polite way to ask for help with a connection issue.
I'm sorry, the projector's not working for some reason.
I'm sorry, the projector's not working for some reason.
Professional way to handle a technical delay.
Friday's not working for me anymore. Can we do Saturday?
Friday's not working for me anymore. Can we do Saturday?
Used here to mean a schedule or time is inconvenient.
Ugh, this machine's not working and it took my dollar!
Ugh, this machine's not working and it took my dollar!
Expressing mild frustration at a faulty machine.
I love him, but something's just not working between us.
I love him, but something's just not working between us.
Emotional use referring to the dynamic of a relationship.
My room key's not working; could you check it?
My room key's not working; could you check it?
Standard way to report a functional issue with a service.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence using the correct form of the phrase.
I tried to use my credit card, but __________.
We use 'something's' (something is) + 'not working' to describe a current problem.
Which sentence is the most polite way to tell a coworker about a problem?
The printer is broken and I hate it.
This phrase is neutral and avoids blaming anyone, making it the most professional choice.
Match the problem to the best use of the phrase.
Problem: Your Wi-Fi is slow. / Problem: You and your boyfriend fight every day. / Problem: The elevator button doesn't light up.
The phrase is versatile enough to cover all three scenarios!
Fill in the missing line.
A: Is the project ready? B: No, __________. We need more time to fix the errors.
The context of 'fixing errors' implies that something is currently failing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Something's not working'
Technology
- • Apps
- • Laptops
- • Wi-Fi
Home
- • Microwave
- • Lights
- • Keys
Life
- • Plans
- • Diets
- • Relationships
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI tried to use my credit card, but __________.
We use 'something's' (something is) + 'not working' to describe a current problem.
The printer is broken and I hate it.
This phrase is neutral and avoids blaming anyone, making it the most professional choice.
Problem: Your Wi-Fi is slow. / Problem: You and your boyfriend fight every day. / Problem: The elevator button doesn't light up.
The phrase is versatile enough to cover all three scenarios!
A: Is the project ready? B: No, __________. We need more time to fix the errors.
The context of 'fixing errors' implies that something is currently failing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Something's not working' is for objects or situations. If a person isn't doing their job, you'd say 'He isn't working.'
Almost, but 'broken' usually implies physical damage (like a cracked screen), while 'not working' can mean a software glitch or a system error.
Change 'is' to 'was': 'Something was not working yesterday.'
Yes, it's very common in professional emails to report issues.
You can say 'Everything is working perfectly' or 'It's working now.'
Yes, but that sounds much more frustrated and dramatic!
It's a metaphor from the 1800s comparing machines to human laborers.
No, it is standard, neutral English.
Yes, it's a very common way to say a couple is having problems.
'Out of order' is usually a formal sign on a public machine; 'not working' is what you say out loud.
Related Phrases
Acting up
similarBehaving badly or not working correctly.
On the blink
similarNot working properly; flickering.
Out of order
specialized formA sign placed on a machine that is broken.
Back on track
contrastWorking correctly again after a problem.
Hit a snag
builds onTo encounter a small, hidden problem.
