Workings vs. Working: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 23, 2024
"Workings" refers to the operational details or mechanisms of something, while "working" refers to the act of performing a job or task. "Workings" is often used in plural form, while "working" can be a noun or adjective.
Key Differences
"Workings" describes the operational details or internal mechanisms of a system or process. It is often used in the context of explaining how something functions, such as the workings of a machine or an organization. "Working," on the other hand, typically refers to the act of performing a job or a task. It can be used as a noun to describe the state of employment or as an adjective to describe something that is operational or functioning.
"Workings" often delves into the intricacies and specifics of how parts or processes interact. For example, one might explore the workings of the human brain to understand its complex functions. This term emphasizes detailed mechanisms and underlying processes. In contrast, "working" tends to focus on the broader concept of being engaged in an activity or the state of being functional. For example, a "working model" indicates a prototype that operates as intended. This usage underscores the active or functional state of something.
When discussing organizations, "workings" might refer to the internal operations, such as decision-making processes and workflows. Whereas "working" might describe the state of employment within the organization or how tasks are being executed by employees.
In everyday language, "workings" is less commonly used compared to "working," which is frequently encountered in contexts relating to employment and functionality. "Workings" is more technical and specific, whereas "working" is versatile and widely applicable.
Comparison Chart
Usage
Plural form, focusing on mechanisms
Can be a noun or adjective
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Context
Detailed explanation of operations
Act of performing a job or task
Form
Usually used in plural
Singular or plural
Example Context
Workings of a machine, workings of a mind
Working professional, working model
Frequency
Less common
More common
Workings and Working Definitions
Workings
The manner in which something operates.
Understanding the workings of the legal system is crucial.
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Working
In employment.
He has been working there for five years.
Workings
Internal parts or functions.
The workings of the engine need regular maintenance.
Working
Performing work
A working committee.
Workings
The operational details of an organization.
The internal workings of the company were revealed.
Working
Operating or functioning as required
A working flashlight.
Workings
Performing work
A working committee.
Working
Having a paying job; employed
Working mothers.
Workings
Operating or functioning as required
A working flashlight.
Working
Spent at work
A working life of 40 years.
Workings
Having a paying job; employed
Working mothers.
Working
Taken while continuing to work
A working vacation.
Workings
Spent at work
A working life of 40 years.
Working
Sufficient to allow action
A working majority.
Workings
Taken while continuing to work
A working vacation.
Working
Adequate for practical use
A working knowledge of Spanish.
Workings
Sufficient to allow action
A working majority.
Working
Serving as a basis or guide for further work
A working hypothesis.
Workings
Adequate for practical use
A working knowledge of Spanish.
Working
The manner in which something operates or functions
The workings of the mind.
Workings
Serving as a basis or guide for further work
A working hypothesis.
Working
The parts of a mine or quarry that have been or are being excavated.
Workings
The manner in which something operates or functions
The workings of the mind.
Working
Operation; action.
Workings
The parts of a mine or quarry that have been or are being excavated.
Working
Method of operation.
Workings
Plural of working.
Working
(arithmetic) The incidental or subsidiary calculations performed in solving an overall problem.
Be sure to check your working.
Workings
The internal mechanism of some device or system.
Working
Fermentation.
Workings
The parts of a quarry or mine that are being (or has been) worked.
Working
(of bodies of water) Becoming full of a vegetable substance.
Workings
The internal mechanism of a device
Working
A place where work is carried on.
The abandoned mine workings
Workings
A mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
Working
(countable) A train movement.
Workings
The mechanisms or internal processes.
The workings of the clock are intricate and precise.
Working
Present participle of work
Leave him alone; he’s working.
Workings
The underlying functions.
Scientists study the workings of the brain.
Working
That is or are functioning.
A working ventilator
Working
That suffices but requires additional work.
A working copy of the script
Working
In paid employment.
Working mothers
Working
Of or relating to employment.
The working week
Working
Enough to allow one to use something.
Working
Used in real life; practical.
The working minimum focus distance is the distance from the closest focusable subject to the lens.
Working
(obsolete) Efficacious.
Working
A mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
Working
Actively engaged in paid work;
The working population
The ratio of working men to unemployed
A working mother
Robots can be on the job day and night
Working
Adequate for practical use; especially sufficient in strength or numbers to accomplish something;
The party has a working majority in the House
A working knowledge of Spanish
Working
Adopted as a temporary basis for further work;
A working draft
A working hypothesis
Working
(of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing;
In running (or working) order
A functional set of brakes
Working
Serving to permit or facilitate further work or activity;
Discussed the working draft of a peace treaty
They need working agreements with their neighbor states on interstate projects
Working
Engaged in performing a job.
She is working at a new startup.
Working
Functioning or operational.
The machine is still in working condition.
Working
Suitable for practical use.
They have a working model of the design.
Working
The act of performing tasks.
Working from home has become more common.
FAQs
How is "working" used in a sentence?
e.g., She is working on her latest project.
Can "working" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "working" can describe something that is functional or operational, e.g., a working model.
What does "workings" mean?
"Workings" refers to the internal mechanisms or processes of something.
Does "workings" imply complexity?
Often, as it delves into the detailed processes or mechanisms.
Is "workings" always plural?
Yes, "workings" is typically used in the plural form to describe multiple aspects or components.
What is an example of "workings"?
e.g., The workings of the government were scrutinized during the investigation.
Can "workings" refer to an organization?
Yes, it can describe the internal operations of an organization.
What does "working condition" mean?
It means something is functional and operational.
How does "working" differ from "workings"?
"Working" refers to the act of performing tasks or being operational, whereas "workings" refers to the detailed mechanisms of a process.
What part of speech is "working"?
"Working" can be both a noun and an adjective.
How is "workings" used in technical contexts?
It explains the intricate mechanisms or functions within systems or devices.
Is "working" common in daily language?
Yes, "working" is frequently used in contexts related to employment and functionality.
What might "workings" of a machine refer to?
It refers to the internal mechanisms that make the machine function.
Is "workings" used metaphorically?
Yes, it can describe the inner workings of non-physical systems, like the workings of a mind.
Is "working" a noun?
Yes, "working" can be a noun describing the act of performing a job or task.
Can "working" describe employment?
Yes, it can describe the state of being employed, e.g., working at a company.
Does "working" imply activity?
Yes, it indicates active engagement in a task or function.
Can "working" imply temporary?
Not necessarily; it can describe both temporary and permanent states of functioning.
What are the "workings" of a system?
They are the detailed processes and interactions within the system.
Is "workings" specific to machines?
No, it can describe any detailed internal processes, not just machines.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
