Nonworking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nonworking

[nɒnˈwɜːrkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

not functioning

The term 'nonworking' describes something that does not function or is not operative. It can refer to machinery, equipment, or any system that fails to perform as intended.

Synonyms

broken, disabled, inoperative, malfunctioning.

Examples of usage

  • The nonworking printer caused delays in the office.
  • We need to fix the nonworking heater before winter.
  • Her nonworking email account led to missed messages.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In tech, nonworking often describes devices that fail to operate, impacting productivity and daily tasks.
  • Common nonworking items include appliances like refrigerators or gadgets like smartphones that won't turn on.

Psychology

  • Nonworking can also apply to mental states; when someone feels 'nonworking' emotionally, they may feel unmotivated or stuck.
  • This term is often used in the context of work-life balance, indicating times of burnout or lack of productivity.

Workplace Culture

  • In offices, the term can refer to staff who are 'nonworking' during meetings, meaning they are not actively contributing or engaged.
  • The concept encourages dialogue about engagement and collaboration in team settings.

Literature

  • In narratives, characters might find themselves in 'nonworking' situations, symbolizing obstacles that prevent progress in their journeys.
  • This theme often mirrors real-life challenges, illustrating the importance of resilience and innovation in overcoming dysfunction.

Origin of 'nonworking'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin, meaning 'not,' while 'working' relates to doing a job or activity.
  • The word reflects a condition where something isn’t fulfilling its intended purpose, commonly used in technology and daily life.

The word 'nonworking' is a compound adjective formed from the prefix 'non-' which indicates absence or negation, and ‘working’, which refers to the act of functioning or being in operation. The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin, where it was used to denote negation or opposition. 'Working' has its roots in the Old English 'weorc' meaning 'work' or 'labor'. The combination of these components creates a term that conveys the idea of something that is not in a state of operations or productivity. The usage of 'nonworking' has grown particularly in the context of technology and machinery as these fields have become more ubiquitous in everyday life, highlighting the importance of functionality in modern equipment.