Cool MateBroken vs Not working
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Broken
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Not working
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Broken
| Broken | Not working | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈwɜːkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈwɜrkɪŋ// |
| Meaning | not working or damaged | not functioning or operating |
| Example | The window is broken and needs to be fixed. | The printer is not working again. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, get, badly | not working properly, not working at all, not working in the office |
| Antonyms | whole, intact, fixed | working, functioning |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'broken' with 'broke' (the past tense of 'break'), Using 'broken' in a context where 'damaged' is more appropriate, Forget to use 'broken' with a noun (e.g. 'broken car' not just 'broken') | Confused with 'not working out' which implies a situation failing rather than a function., Used inappropriately in formal documents where you should specify the issue more clearly. |
| Usage notes | Use 'broken' when describing items that are not functioning or are physically damaged. It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. | Use 'not working' when something fails to function. It's appropriate in most contexts, but avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Broken vs Not working
What's the difference between Broken and Not working?
Broken: not working or damaged Not working: not functioning or operating
Which is more common: Broken and Not working?
Broken is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Broken: The window is broken and needs to be fixed. Not working: The printer is not working again.
Can I use Broken and Not working interchangeably?
Not always. Broken and Not working are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.