Out of Order: Definition, Meaning, and Origin (2025)

The idiom "out of order" can mean something is not working correctly or not following the correct sequence. The idiom often describes machines or events not functioning or behaving as expected.

In short:

• It can mean that something is not working properly or not following the correct sequence.

What Does "Out of Order" Mean?

The idiom "out of order" has two meanings depending on the situation and context.

• The first meaning is that something is not working correctly or is broken. For example, a vending machine, an elevator, or a printer can be "out of order" if they are not functioning correctly. This meaning is usually indicated by a sign that says "out of order" on the faulty device.
• The second meaning is that something is not following the correct sequence or order. For example, a list of numbers, a deck of cards, or instructions can be "out of order" if they are not arranged correctly. This meaning is usually used to express confusion, frustration, or error.

Where Does "Out of Order" Come From?

The origin and history of the idiom "out of order" are unclear. However, one possible source is the mechanical term "order," which means a machine or device's condition or state. For example, a car, a clock, or a computer can be in good order if they are working well and efficiently. If they are not working well or are broken, they can be said to be "out of order."

10 Examples of "Out of Order" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• The printer is out of order, so I can't print my report.
• The book's pages were out of order, so I rearranged them.
• The coffee machine is out of order, and I need my caffeine fix.
• The bus ticket machine is out of order; you must pay the driver.
• The restroom sign said out of order, so I had to find another one.
• The jukebox is out of order, so there's no music in the diner tonight.
• Sorry, the copy machine is out of order, and I can't make copies right now.
• The air conditioning in the office is out of order, and it's sweltering in here.
• Oh, snap. I wanted to buy a soda, but the vending machine was out of order.
• The numbers on the lottery ticket were out of order, so I didn't win anything.

Examples of "Out of Order" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• Out of Order (2003): A TV series starring Eric Stoltz and Felicity Huffman as a married couple struggling with their personal and professional lives.
• Out of Order is the fifteenth studio album by Rod Stewart, released in 1988. It features the hit singles "Lost in You," "Forever Young," "My Heart Can't Tell You No," and "Crazy About Her." The album was well-received by critics and fans and sold over 2 million copies in the US.
• Oona Out of Order is a novel by Margarita Montimore that tells the story of Oona Lockhart, a woman who lives her life out of chronological order. Every New Year's Eve, she randomly jumps to a different age, experiencing her life non-linearly. The book explores the themes of time, love, family, and identity through Oona's unique perspective.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Out of Order"

Here are some synonyms and alternative ways to say this idiom:

• Broken
• Malfunctioning
• Defective
• Disordered
• Unordered
• Chaotic
• Disruptive
• Disorderly

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Out of Order"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "out of order" mean?

The idiom "out of order" can mean something is not working correctly or not following the correct sequence. The idiom often describes machines or events not functioning or behaving as expected.

• What is the origin of the phrase "out of order"?

The origin and history of the idiom "out of order" are unclear. However, one possible source is the mechanical term "order," which means a machine or device's condition or state. For example, a car, a clock, or a computer can be in good order if they are working well and efficiently. If they are not working well or are broken, they can be said to be "out of order."

• What is the opposite of "out of order"?

The opposite of "out of order" is "in order." This means that something is working correctly, something is following the correct sequence, or someone is behaving appropriately.

• Is "out of order" formal or informal?
  

The idiom "out of order" can be used in formal and informal situations. However, it may sound more informal when used to criticize or reprimand someone.

• Is "out of order" always used for non-functional machines?

While it is commonly used to describe non-functional machines, "out of order" can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is not working correctly, such as a plan, a system, or even a person's behavior.

• Can "out of order" be used in a non-literal sense?

Yes, "out of order" can be used in a non-literal sense to describe a situation or circumstance that is chaotic, disorganized, or not proceeding as expected.

• Is there a similar idiom in other languages?

Many languages have idiomatic expressions that convey a similar meaning to "out of order." For example, in French, the phrase "hors service" is used to describe something that is not in working condition.

• What's the difference between "out of order" and "broken"?

"Out of order" suggests that something is not functioning correctly at the moment, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's irreparably damaged. "Broken" typically implies that something is no longer functional and may require repair or replacement.

• Can "out of order" describe a disorganized or chaotic situation?

Yes, "out of order" can be used metaphorically to describe a situation that is disorganized, chaotic, or not going as planned. For example, you might say, "The meeting was out of order, with everyone talking over each other."

• Is there a way to repair something "out of order"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can repair or fix something that is "out of order." For mechanical objects, it often involves maintenance or repairs. For non-mechanical situations, it may require addressing the issues causing the disruption or chaos.

Final Thoughts About "Out of Order"

The idiom "out of order" is a versatile and common expression with different meanings depending on the context. It can describe machines, events, or people not functioning or behaving as expected.

Some key points to remember about this idiom:

• It can mean that something is not working correctly or not following the correct sequence.
• It has some synonyms, antonyms, and related expressions that can be used interchangeably.
• It has been used and referenced in various forms of pop culture.

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