unworking
Out of order
Unworking describes something that isn't functioning or operational: The unworking elevator forced us to take the stairs.
The word is rare and somewhat awkward—nonworking or broken are more natural choices in most contexts.
Unworking can also describe a state of not being employed, though unemployed dominates that sense.
Operating incorrectly or failing
- faultyHaving defects or errors
- defectiveHaving inherent faults
- out-of-orderNonfunctional or misordered
- kaputSlang for ruined
busted · inoperable · nonfunctional · damaged · failed · dysfunctional · glitchy · buggy
Not currently functioning
- dormantInactive but capable
- unusedNever put to purpose
- mothballedPreserved but inactive
- fallowUnplanted field recovering
untapped · static · suspended · parked · shelved · sidelined · resting · waiting
Lacking paid employment
- laid-offTerminated from employment
- redundantExceeding what's needed
- furloughedGranted mandatory unpaid leave
- dismissedReleased from duty
downsized · terminated · fired · sacked · retrenched · workless · underemployed · unoccupied
Not at work
- restingIn a state of stillness
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- vacationingTraveling for leisure
- unwindingReleasing coiled tension
recreating · sabbatical · downtime · respite · time-off · holiday · recharging · decompressing
malfunctioning
Operating incorrectly or failing
- faultyHaving defects or errors
- defectiveHaving inherent faults
- out-of-orderNonfunctional or misordered
kaput · busted · inoperable · nonfunctional · damaged · failed · dysfunctional · glitchy · buggy · crashed
inactive
Not currently functioning
- dormantInactive but capable
- unusedNever put to purpose
- mothballedPreserved but inactive
fallow · untapped · static · suspended · parked · shelved · sidelined · resting · waiting · standby
jobless
Lacking paid employment
- laid-offTerminated from employment
- redundantExceeding what's needed
- furloughedGranted mandatory unpaid leave
dismissed · downsized · terminated · fired · sacked · retrenched · workless · underemployed · unoccupied · available
off-duty
Not at work
- restingIn a state of stillness
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- vacationingTraveling for leisure
unwinding · recreating · sabbatical · downtime · respite · time-off · holiday · recharging · decompressing
unworkingworking
In active function
functional · operative · operational · functioning · active
work, worker, working, network, workers, rework, workable, overwork, networks