Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Out of Action

What does it mean?

Out of action means temporarily unable to work, function, or participate because of injury, illness, or mechanical failure.

Is it positive or negative?

It's negative - it describes something broken, sick, or non-functional.

When do you use it?

Use it for people who are injured or unwell, or for machines/tools that aren't working.

Examples

Example 1: Our star player is out of action with a knee injury for five weeks.

Example 2: The printer has been out of action all morning - nobody can use it.

Question for you

Have you ever been out of action because of an injury or illness?

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