broken machine

[ˈbroʊkən məˈʃin]
noun phrasepl: broken machines
máquina quebrada
1. A machine that is no longer functioning or operating properly due to damage or malfunction
The broken machine in the factory needed to be repaired before production could resume.
A máquina quebrada na fábrica precisava ser consertada antes que a produção pudesse ser retomada.
2. Equipment or apparatus that has suffered damage and is unable to perform its intended function
We tried to use the broken machine but it kept jamming.
Tentamos usar a máquina quebrada, mas ela continuava travando.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'máquina quebrada' is the everyday expression used in industrial, commercial, and domestic contexts. In Portugal, 'avariada' is preferred in formal settings. In American English, particularly in NYC, 'busted' is common slang. The phrase reflects the importance of machinery in industrial societies and the frequent need to discuss equipment maintenance.
NYC Slang
busted machine
Synonyms / Sinônimos
malfunctioning machinefaulty machinedamaged machineinoperative machinedefective machine
Antonyms / Antônimos
working machinefunctioning machineoperational machineintact machine

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
máquina quebrada
Most common and widely understood term across Brazil
São Paulo
máquina quebrada
Standard usage in industrial and business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
máquina danificada
Alternative formal term sometimes used
Portugal
máquina avariada
Preferred term in European Portuguese; 'quebrada' less common

Related Words

repairmalfunctiondamagemaintenanceequipmentdefect

Related Idioms & Phrases

out of order
on the fritz
not working
máquina não está funcionando
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