Because your request is very broad, “not working” can refer to several completely different situations. 💻 A Device, Software, or Tool
If an appliance, app, or piece of technology is failing, it usually requires a targeted troubleshooting sequence:
Isolate the power: Check if the device is plugged in, charged, or if a breaker tripped.
Force a restart: Power down the system completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Verify connectivity: Check if your Wi-Fi, mobile data, or Bluetooth connections are active.
Clear the cache: For websites or apps, clear temporary files or try an incognito window. 💼 Career, Unemployment, or Job Interviews
If you are navigating a period of unemployment or preparing for job applications, “not working” often comes up in professional contexts:
The “Tell me about yourself” question: If you are asked this while unemployed, briefly mention your current status, but pivot heavily to your past achievements and future goals.
Handling resume gaps: When interviewers ask Forbes why you are not working, explain the transition cleanly (e.g., career pivot, family care, continuing education) without over-explaining.
Burnout or disengagement: If you are physically at a job but feel like you or the company “isn’t working,” it often indicates a toxic environment, poor management, or a lack of personal fulfillment. 🗣️ English Language & Grammar
If you are learning English, the phrase follows specific grammatical structures:
Present Continuous: To say someone is currently unemployed or idle, you say “He is not working”.
Third-Person Singular: When talking about a broken machine, the correct phrase is “It doesn’t work” (never “it doesn’t works”).