not working crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "not working crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Find the perfect fit and get back to puzzling!
Solutions for "not working crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OFF: When a device is turned off and therefore not working. Commonly used for power state.
4 Letters
IDLE: Describes something that is not actively engaged in work or not currently functioning, often implying inactivity rather than breakage.
DEAD: Refers to something that has stopped functioning, often due to power loss or a complete failure, like a battery or device.
DOWN: Commonly used for systems, servers, or networks that are out of service or not operational.
6 Letters
BROKEN: Implies physical damage preventing function, making something unusable.
FAULTY: Indicates a defect or flaw that causes something not to work correctly or reliably.
9 Letters
DEFECTIVE: Similar to faulty, meaning imperfect or having a flaw that causes it to malfunction or fail.
11 Letters
INOPERATIVE: A formal term for something that is not working or not able to be put into operation, often used for machinery or systems.
More About "not working crossword clue"
The clue "not working" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often leading to a range of answers depending on the specific context the puzzle setter intends. It can refer to a physical object that has ceased to function due to damage, a system that is offline, or even a person who is inactive or unproductive. Understanding these subtle variations is key to selecting the correct answer.
For instance, if the clue hints at a device out of power, "DEAD" might be the answer. If it's about a network system, "DOWN" is very likely. A physically damaged item will often be "BROKEN" or "FAULTY." The breadth of synonyms for "not working" means solvers must always consider the letter count and any other accompanying words in the clue.
Seasoned crossword solvers know that paying attention to the puzzle's theme or the type of clue (e.g., a pun, a direct synonym, or an idiomatic expression) can provide crucial insights. "Not working" is generally a straightforward synonym clue, but its many potential answers require careful consideration of all available information.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: Always look for other words in the clue. Is it "Computer not working"? Or "Lazy person not working"? This helps narrow down the meaning.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most powerful filter. Once you have a few possible answers, immediately check if their length matches the grid.
- Consider Common Phrases: Sometimes "not working" is part of a common phrase or idiom. Think of how the phrase "out of order" relates to a non-functional machine.
- Think of Homonyms/Puns (if applicable): While "not working" is usually direct, some clues use wordplay. Keep an open mind for less literal interpretations if direct synonyms don't fit.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or deny potential answers for "not working."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'not working' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'not working' in crossword clues often include words like OFF, IDLE, DOWN, BROKEN, DEAD, FAULTY, DEFECTIVE, and INOPERATIVE. The best fit depends on the number of letters and specific context of your puzzle.
How does the context of 'not working' affect the crossword answer?
The context is highly important. 'Not working' could refer to a machine (e.g., BROKEN, DEAD), a system (e.g., DOWN, OFFLINE), a person (e.g., IDLE, LAZY), or even a plan or strategy (e.g., INEFFECTIVE). Always consider the surrounding words in the clue for hints.
Are there different letter counts for 'not working' answers?
Yes, answers can vary significantly in length. For instance, 'OFF' is 3 letters, 'IDLE' is 4, 'BROKEN' is 6, 'DEFECTIVE' is 9, and 'INOPERATIVE' is 11. Checking the letter count provided in your crossword grid is essential to narrow down possibilities.