Out of action Meaning in English

expression

US

OWT-uhv-AK-shun

UK

OWT-ov-AK-shun

Definition

If someone or something is out of action, they are not working, available, or able to be used, usually because of damage, injury, or a problem.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and commonly used for machines ('the printer is out of action') or people ('she's out of action after surgery'). Similar to 'broken', 'down', or 'unavailable', but slightly more conversational. Often temporary.

• Spanish: fuera de servicio - fuera de combate
• Portuguese (BR): fora de serviço - fora de combate
• Portuguese (PT): fora de serviço - fora de combate
• Chinese (Simplified): 无法工作 - 失灵 - 不能行动
• Chinese (Traditional): 無法運作 - 故障中 - 不能行動
• Hindi: बंद है - काम से बाहर
• Arabic: خارج الخدمة - معطل
• Bengali: চলতি নেই - নষ্ট - অকেজো
• Russian: не работает - вышел из строя
• Japanese: 使えない - 故障中 - 使用不能
• Vietnamese: không hoạt động - hỏng - tạm ngừng sử dụng
• Korean: 작동하지 않음 - 고장남 - 사용 불가
• Turkish: çalışmıyor - kullanım dışı - arızalı
• Urdu: خراب - بند
• Indonesian: tidak berfungsi - rusak - tidak bisa digunakan

Example Sentences

The washing machine is out of action again.

basic

After his injury, he was out of action for two weeks.

basic

The elevator is out of action right now.

basic

Sorry, my phone's out of action until I get it fixed.

natural

She's been out of action since her surgery last month.

natural

You'll have to take the bus—Dad's car is out of action for now.

natural