Learn English – the word for things that work even when they aren’t working (e.g. escalators)

single-word-requeststerminologyword-choice

I'm looking for a word (or phrase) to describe mechanisms that are perfectly functional even when they aren't functioning as expected.

Examples of these include:

  • Escalators & Electric Walkways: Even when they aren't powered these systems still function as perfectly adequate stairs or sidewalks
  • Mopeds: Even when out of gas, the owner can still pedal along
  • Electric Toothbrushes: One can still brush their teeth without turning it on

I've considered using engineering and management terms such as redundant mechanisms, enhanced systems, or fault-tolerant machines that come close, but those terms refer to very specific technical concepts that don't apply to my needs or the the examples.

Best Answer

If it avoids catastrophic failure, it exhibits:

graceful degradation - Graceful degradation is the ability of a computer, machine, electronic system or network to maintain limited functionality even when a large portion of it has been destroyed or rendered inoperative. The purpose of graceful degradation is to prevent catastrophic failure. Ideally, even the simultaneous loss of multiple components does not cause downtime

I do not think you will find one word for these things. They are not "working" as designed... they have failed. They simply have failed in a way that doesn't completely destroy their utility, but that's not to say they couldn't fail that way. The wheels could fall off the moped, the brush on the electric toothbrush could break off.

You're more describing a failure mode than a specific variety of things. So, another answer geared at a description, rather than one word.

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