non-working
non-working — adjective
1. without a paid job, either because you cannot find one or because you have chose
without a paid job, either because you cannot find one or because you have chosen not to work, for example as a stay-at-home parent or retiree.
The job application form asks whether each parent is working or non-working.
contrast on forms: working or non-working
Akiko has been non-working since she retired from teaching three years ago.
non-working for retirees — 'unemployed' would be inaccurate here
Tanvi's mother was non-working for several years while raising three young children at home.
The city program offers free skills training to non-working residents who want to find jobs.
- unemployed
specifically means actively seeking work, not retired or out of the workforce by choice.
- jobless
more negative in tone, often used in news about economic downturns.
- out of work
informal phrase, usually describes temporary job loss.
文法句型
non-working + noun (parent, spouse, resident)
be + non-working
用法筆記
Often used on official forms and surveys to describe employment status. Neutral in tone — it covers both unemployed job-seekers and people who choose not to work (retirees, students, stay-at-home parents). In everyday conversation, 'unemployed' or 'not working' is more common.
常見錯誤
2. relating to time, activities, or matters that are separate from your job or prof
relating to time, activities, or matters that are separate from your job or professional duties; not connected to work.
Stephanie uses her non-working hours to teach art classes at a community centre.
non-working hours — time spent away from one's job
Zola keeps her non-working life completely separate from her corporate job.
Company policy forbids using office printers for non-working purposes of any kind.
During non-working hours, Walid prefers not to answer calls from his manager.
- work-related
connected to or involving one's job.
- professional
relating to work or career duties.
文法句型
non-working + noun (hours, time, day, activity, purpose, expense)
用法筆記
Common in formal or written contexts such as employment contracts, company policies, and tax forms. In casual speech, phrases like 'time off work' or 'outside of work' are more natural. Distinguish from sense 1 — this sense describes time/resources, not a person's employment status.
常見錯誤
3. of a machine, device, or system: unable to operate normally, often because of a
of a machine, device, or system: unable to operate normally, often because of a fault or damage.
The office photocopier has been non-working since Tuesday, so staff cannot print reports.
pattern: has been non-working since [time] — describes duration of a fault
Jin reported a non-working smoke alarm to the building's maintenance supervisor.
After the storm, three traffic lights remained non-working at the main intersection.
Minh tried to fix the non-working washing machine but could not identify the problem.
- broken
implies physical damage; more common in everyday speech.
- malfunctioning
more technical, used in repair manuals and IT support.
- out of order
phrase used in public notices for equipment (e.g., elevators, ATMs).
- functioning
working normally.
- operational
ready and able to operate.
- working
in good working order.
文法句型
non-working + noun (machine, device, equipment, system)
have/has been non-working + since/for [time period]
用法筆記
Used for equipment, appliances, and infrastructure. This sense overlaps with 'broken' but is more neutral about the cause — a device may be non-working because it needs repair, not necessarily because it is damaged beyond fixing. Common in maintenance reports and customer service communication.