INDEX:
1. when a machine/system etc works properly
RELATED WORDS
opposite
↑ BROKEN/NOT BROKEN
to have a job : ↑ JOB (4)
see also
↑ REPAIR
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1. when a machine/system etc works properly
▷ work /wɜːʳk/ [intransitive verb]
if a machine or piece of equipment works or is working, it can be used without any problems because there is nothing wrong with it :
▪ Does the old tape recorder still work?
▪ We had to go to the laundromat because the washing-machine wasn’t working.
work fine/be working fine
▪ We tested the cable and it seems to be working fine.
work well/be working well
▪ The new computers seem to work perfectly well, despite everyone’s worries.
▷ be in working order /biː ɪn ˌwɜːʳkɪŋ ˈɔːʳdəʳ/ [verb phrase]
if something is in working order, it is working well and safely, especially because it has been well-cared for :
▪ The mill was built in the 16th century and is still in working order.
be in good/perfect/top working order
▪ The guns were all clean and in good working order.
▪ As far as he could tell the engine was in perfect working order.
▷ go British spoken /run American spoken /gəʊ, rʌn/ [intransitive verb]
to be working properly - use this especially about a car, clock, or watch :
▪ I dropped my watch, but it’s still going.
▪ I don’t mind what kind of car we rent as long as it runs.
▷ be up and running /biː ˌʌp ən ˈrʌnɪŋ/ [verb phrase]
to be working well and without any problems - use this about computers or systems :
▪ As soon as the new computer system is up and running, we can transfer our records onto it.
▪ The new hiring process should be up and running by the end of the year.
▷ operational /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃ ə nəl◂ǁˌɑː-/ [adjective]
a place, system, or large piece of machinery that is operational is working and ready to be used at any time :
▪ At least eight countries are known to have operational nuclear weapons.
fully operational
▪ The terminal is fully operational and airlines will begin using it next week.
▷ on-stream especially British also on-line American /ˈɒn ˈstriːm◂, ˌɒn ˈlaɪn◂/ [adjective not before noun]
a new system or large piece of machinery that is on-stream or on-line, is ready to be used - used especially in business :
▪ All the oil refineries in the region are now back on-stream.
come on-stream/on-line
▪ Another nuclear reactor is scheduled to come on-line in January.
bring something on-stream/on-line
▪ With so much money in grants, we need to start thinking now about the projects we want to bring on-stream.