out-of-order
UK[ˌaʊt əv ˈɔːdə]US[ˌaʊt əv ˈɔːrdər]
adj
Not working properly or not functioning correctly.
adj
Not arranged in the correct sequence or proper sequence.
adj
(of a person) Behaving in a socially unacceptable or unruly way.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
of
order
out
outside, away from
of
order
arrangement, sequence, or proper condition
Etymology
The phrase "out of order" is a compound adjective formed from three distinct English words. "Out" and "of" are prepositions of Germanic origin, with "out" conveying a sense of exteriority or deviation, and "of" indicating a state or condition. "Order" entered English from Old French ordre, tracing back to Latin ordo meaning "row, series, arrangement". The literal combination, "outside the arrangement or proper sequence", logically evolved to describe mechanical failures (deviating from functional arrangement), sequential errors, and metaphorical social misbehavior (deviating from accepted conduct). Its modern usage perfectly encapsulates the core idea of being in a state contrary to an established, functional, or proper system.
Analysis
Structure: out + of + order
out: Old English; preposition/adverb meaning "outside, away from".
of: Old English; preposition indicating origin, separation, or relation.
order: Old English (via Latin); noun meaning "arrangement, sequence, or proper condition".
Examples
The elevator has been out-of-order for a week.
The pages of the report were bound out-of-order, making it confusing to read.
The politician was declared out-of-order by the speaker for his repeated interruptions.