OUT OF ORDER

{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In the wrong order; not coming after one another in the right way. * /Peter wrote the words of the sentence out of order./ * /Don't get out of order, children. Stay in your places in line./ Contrast: IN ORDER. 2. In poor condition; not working properly. * /Our television set is out of order./ 3. Against the rules; not suitable. * /The judge told the people in the courtroom that they were out of order because they were so noisy./ * /The children's whispering was out of order in the church./ Compare: OUT OF LINE, OUT OF PLACE, OUT OF THE WAY, OUT OF TURN, OUT OF COMMISSION(2). Contrast: IN ORDER.