out of order

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a machine or piece of equipment that is broken or not working properly. It is commonly seen on signs posted on public toilets, vending machines, or elevators. In British and Australian English, it can also describe someone's behavior that is rude, unfair, or socially unacceptable.

Examples

• The coffee machine in the breakroom is out of order again.

  The coffee machine in the breakroom is out of order again.

• I had to take the stairs because the elevator was out of order.

  I had to take the stairs because the elevator was out of order.

• That public restroom has been out of order for three weeks.

  That public restroom has been out of order for three weeks.

• His rude comments during the meeting were completely out of order.

  His rude comments during the meeting were completely out of order.

• The ticket machine is out of order, so we have to buy them online.

  The ticket machine is out of order, so we have to buy them online.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The office printer is not in order today.

  ✓ The office printer is out of order today.

  While 'in order' means tidy or legally valid, its negative for broken machinery is always 'out of order'. You cannot say 'not in order' to mean broken.

• ✗ I can't use the vending machine because it is out of work.

  ✓ I can't use the vending machine because it is out of order.

  The phrase 'out of work' is only used to describe people who are unemployed. For broken machines, the correct phrase is 'out of order'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The vending machine on the second floor is __________, so I couldn't get a drink.

  💡 Use this phrase to show the machine is broken.

  Show answer

  out of order

• I think his behavior at the party last night was totally __________.

  💡 This refers to the secondary meaning of unacceptable behavior.

  Show answer

  out of order