outage
C1Formal, technical, news reporting
Definition
Meaning
A period during which a service or system (like electricity, internet, or water) is unavailable.
A temporary interruption or failure in the normal functioning of a system, network, or supply; can also refer to a temporary cessation of an activity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun (an outage, several outages). The concept inherently involves a *temporary* failure, not a permanent one. Often implies a disruption that affects many users simultaneously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically, but British English may sometimes prefer more specific phrases like 'power cut' or 'supply interruption' in everyday speech, while 'outage' is firmly established in technical and corporate contexts.
Connotations
Technical, corporate, or infrastructural failure. Carries a neutral-to-negative connotation of inconvenience and system failure.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but the term is standard and common in all technical/engineering contexts in the UK.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Experience + an outageCause + an outageLast + for [time period]Result in + an outageBe affected by + an outageVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lights out (for power outages)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to IT system failures affecting operations. 'The server outage caused a significant loss of productivity.'
Academic
Used in engineering, computer science, and risk management studies to discuss system reliability.
Everyday
Used to talk about loss of electricity, internet, or mobile phone service at home. 'We had an outage last night, so I couldn't finish my work.'
Technical
A precise term in IT, telecommunications, and electrical engineering for a measurable period of service unavailability.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A (The word is not used as a standard verb. The verb form is 'to go out' or 'to fail').
American English
- N/A (The word is not used as a standard verb. The verb form is 'to go out' or 'to fail').
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. Use 'outaged' only in very specific technical jargon).
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. Use 'outaged' only in very specific technical jargon).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was a power outage, so we used candles.
- The storm caused a major power outage across the city.
- The company's website experienced a two-hour outage due to unexpected server maintenance.
- To ensure system stability, the engineers scheduled a planned outage for critical infrastructure upgrades.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of OUT + AGE. When the power goes OUT, you feel like you're in the dark AGES.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVICE IS A FLOWING SUBSTANCE; an outage is a blockage or stoppage of that flow.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'аутентичный' (authentic).
- Do not translate as 'аутсайдер' (outsider).
- The closest direct translations are 'сбой', 'отключение', or 'перебой' (в подаче электроэнергии).
- It is a noun, not related to the phrasal verb 'to be out'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The system outaged' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'outrage' (anger).
- Using it for a permanent shutdown (it implies a temporary state).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'outage'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while commonly associated with power, it is used for any service interruption (internet, phone, water, network, etc.).
A 'blackout' is a complete loss of electrical power, often over a large area. An 'outage' can be partial or complete and applies to more than just electricity.
No, 'outage' is strictly a noun. Do not say 'The system outaged.' Instead, say 'The system went down' or 'There was an outage.'
A scheduled period of service suspension, usually for maintenance, upgrades, or repairs, announced to users in advance.
Explore