It doesn't work vs It doesn't work out

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It doesn't work' is commonly used to indicate that something (usually a machine) is not functioning properly or as expected. On the other hand, 'it doesn't work out' is often used to express that a plan, idea, or relationship is not successful or feasible.

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Last updated: March 27, 2025 • 5614 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is not functioning properly or as expected.

"It doesn't work"

This phrase is used to express that something is not operating correctly or as intended. It can refer to a machine, a plan, a method, etc.

Examples:

I tried to start the car, but it doesn't work.
The printer doesn't work. I think it needs to be fixed.
The new software doesn't work on my computer.

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It doesn't work like that for me.
It doesn't work that way when you marry for money.
No. It doesn't work with 27 down.
It doesn't work like with him, anyway.
It doesn't work, Mr. Peabody.
It doesn't work like that between fathers and adult daughters.
It doesn't work that way here, Tommy.
It doesn't work for very long without both components.
It doesn't work on him at all.
It doesn't work on emotion or personality.
It doesn't work living here, Mom.
It doesn't work unless the patient is unconscious past R.E.M. sleep.
So there the violation is malign. It doesn't work.
It doesn't work with a person of actual substance like Gillian.
It doesn't work on me, because I'm immune to The Troubles.
It doesn't work that way because you're only playing for one.
It doesn't work if you're not here with me.
It doesn't work as a phone anymore because I didn't pay my bill.
It doesn't work, we can see only the earth.
Now, who wants to do lion taming? It doesn't work.

Alternatives:

it's not working
it's broken
it's malfunctioning
it's not functioning
it's not operating

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that a plan, idea, or relationship is not successful or feasible.

"It doesn't work out"

This phrase is used to indicate that something did not end successfully or as planned. It can refer to a relationship, a project, a decision, etc.

Examples:

I thought about moving to a new city, but it didn't work out.
Their business partnership didn't work out as they had hoped.
I tried to fix the issue, but it didn't work out in the end.

Show examples from the web [+]

And if it doesn't work out with Fadila I know a ravishing Dane who would adore you.
Give the dorms a try for a semester and if it doesn't work out...
When it doesn't work out, the door is always open.
People force the issue and then act surprised when it doesn't work out.
If it doesn't work out and you want to slap somebody around, that's okay, too.
And if it doesn't work out, then we'll just adopt.
That way, if it doesn't work out, no harm, no foul.
But if it doesn't work out, do you still have that cooler?
If it doesn't work out, we always got plan "B."
What if it doesn't work out and you just can't find that voice again?
And if you don't, if it doesn't work out with her living here, then keep in mind if you part ways, then part friends, because you're parents.
Well if it doesn't work out with your mom, does he like old black ladies?
knowing that we are both adults, and if it doesn't work out, it doesn't have to impact our professional friendship.
It doesn't work out the way you think it will.
You date a woman, It doesn't work out, you date another one, And then another one, and so on.
Sometimes it doesn't Work out like that.
I'm ready for it not to cost me a $1/2 million if it doesn't work out.
Listen... whatever I said, I want you to know I am with you now, and even if it doesn't work out, we will manage.
And if it doesn't work out, you'll miss her so much you'll barely be able to move.
If it doesn't work out, it's only one client.

Alternatives:

it didn't go as planned
it wasn't successful
it wasn't feasible
it didn't succeed
it didn't pan out

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It doesn't work vs It doesn't work out

"It doesn't work"

"It doesn't work out"

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