kaput

IPA/kəˈpʊt/
IPA/kəˈpʊt/

kaput — adjective

  • kaputpositive
  • more kaputcomparative
  • most kaputsuperlative

1. used informally to say that a machine, device, or system has stopped operating a

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

used informally to say that a machine, device, or system has stopped operating and is no good anymore, usually because it has broken beyond an easy fix.

Example

Tyler's freezer went kaput overnight when the storm cut the power.

go + kaput for sudden failure

The cafe closed early because the card machine was kaput again.

subject is a machine; be + kaput

Common collocations
  • go kaput
  • be kaput
  • card machine is kaput
  • air conditioner is kaput
Synonyms
  • broken

    neutral and broad; the standard word in most situations.

  • dead

    informal; often used for electronics, batteries, or engines with no power.

  • busted

    casual and slightly American in flavour; can imply visible damage.

  • knackered

    British informal; often suggests something worn out after heavy use.

Antonyms
  • working

    operating normally.

  • running

    functioning, especially for machines or engines.

Grammar Patterns

be + kaput

go + kaput

Usage Note

Mostly used after be, go, or stay, especially for machines, devices, and systems. It suggests complete failure rather than a small problem that can be fixed at once.

Common Mistakes

My printer is kaput because it needs more paper.
My printer is kaput
it still will not print after I added paper.' — use it for complete failure, not a small problem you can solve right away.
The laboratory device was kaput,' in a formal report.
The laboratory device was broken / out of order.
kaput is informal and fits speech or casual writing better.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Broken is the broad neutral word and works for almost any object, from a mug to a printer. Kaput is more informal and usually suggests that something mechanical or electronic has failed so badly that it is useless for now. Dead is also informal, but it often points more specifically to a battery, screen, engine, or other device that has lost power. Busted is casual and slightly more American in flavour, often used when something is damaged or when a plan fails. Knackered is British informal like kaput, but it often hints that the object is worn out after a lot of use. You might tell a friend, 'My old laptop is kaput,' but in a repair report you would normally write 'broken' or 'not working'.

kaput ↗broken ↗dead ↗busted ↗knackered ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • go kaput
  • be kaput

Etymology

GermanEnglish

English borrowed kaput from German kaputt, meaning broken or finished. English kept the same casual tone and now mainly uses kaput for machines or systems that have failed completely.