nonoperation

Nonoperation refers to the state of not operating or functioning. The term can describe devices, systems, organizations, or processes that are idle, out of service, or intentionally not performing their usual functions. In many contexts it is contrasted with operation, or active operation, indicating a temporary or permanent change in status.

In medicine, nonoperative management (NOM) denotes a treatment plan that avoids surgery in favor of noninvasive measures such as observation, casting, medication, or other therapies. NOM is chosen based on patient stability, risks of operative intervention, and expected outcomes. It is commonly discussed for certain fractures, appendicitis in select patients, or wounds when operative risk outweighs benefit.

In engineering and information technology, a device or system may be nonoperational due to malfunction, maintenance, or decommissioning. Nonoperation can be temporary during repair or replacement, or permanent if the system is retired. Downtime and reliability metrics often track periods of nonoperation to assess service availability.

In organizational or regulatory contexts, a business or facility may be described as nonoperational when it is not currently conducting business, perhaps due to shutdown, bankruptcy, or a temporary halt for safety or compliance reasons. Assets and licenses may be affected, and formal notices or filings may document the status.

See also: downtime, operational status, nonoperative, decommissioning, maintenance.