not working crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "not working crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle-solving back on track.
Solutions for "not working crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OFF: Switched off; not operating or active.
4 Letters
IDLE: Not operating or in use; inactive.
DOWN: Out of service or not functioning, as in a system being 'down'.
6 Letters
BROKEN: No longer in working order; damaged and not functioning.
FAILED: Did not succeed or function as intended.
8 Letters
INACTIVE: Not operating, working, or being used.
11 Letters
DEACTIVATED: No longer active or operating; rendered inoperative.
More About "not working crossword"
The clue "not working" in a crossword puzzle is a common way for setters to hint at a state of inactivity, malfunction, or being switched off. Depending on the puzzle's difficulty and the available space, the answer could range from short, direct words like 'OFF' or 'IDLE' to longer, more descriptive terms such as 'BROKEN' or 'INACTIVE'. Context is key here; a clue might imply a machine that has ceased function, a person who is resting, or a system that is temporarily out of service.
Crossword clues often play on multiple meanings of words. "Not working" could also subtly refer to something that is not effective or not achieving its purpose, leading to answers like 'FAILED' or 'USELESS' in different contexts. Always consider the precise wording of the clue and how it fits with the available letters and any intersecting words you've already filled in.
This type of clue tests your vocabulary related to states of disuse or malfunction. It's a classic example of how crosswords encourage you to think broadly about synonyms and antonyms. Having a mental bank of words that describe non-functionality will significantly speed up your solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Before anything else, always count the number of boxes available for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options, as demonstrated with 'IDLE' (4 letters) versus 'BROKEN' (6 letters) for "not working".
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters from perpendicular words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. If you have an 'I' in the first position, 'IDLE' is a strong candidate, while 'OFF' is not.
- Consider Nuances and Synonyms: Think about the specific kind of "not working" the clue implies. Is it simply switched off ('OFF'), resting ('IDLE'), or physically damaged ('BROKEN')? Building your vocabulary of synonyms for common concepts will improve your speed.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: While "not working" is fairly direct, remember that some clues can be tricky. Always be on the lookout for a play on words if the direct meaning doesn't yield an answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'not working' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'not working' often points to words like IDLE, BROKEN, or OFF, implying a state of inactivity, disrepair, or being switched off. The exact answer depends on the number of letters and other intersecting clues.
Are there synonyms for 'not working' that commonly appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include 'idle', 'broken', 'off', 'down', 'inactive', 'failed', or sometimes even words related to being 'out of order' or 'defunct'. The variety allows for different word lengths to fit various puzzles.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'IDLE' and 'BROKEN'?
The letter count is your primary guide. 'IDLE' has four letters, while 'BROKEN' has six. Additionally, look at intersecting words to confirm letters and the specific nuance the clue might imply (e.g., 'idle' suggests inactivity, 'broken' suggests physical damage or malfunction).