When one side of a duplex wall outlet stops working while the other half functions normally, the malfunction is typically caused by a broken internal contact spring or a split-circuit wiring arrangement. In many residential installations, duplex outlets are wired with the small brass break-off tab between the hot terminals removed so each half can be powered by separate circuits or switches. If one of those circuits trips or a wire loosens on one terminal screw, only that side dies. Alternatively, physical wear can break an internal spring contact. You can troubleshoot split circuits safely by isolating power at the circuit breaker. You can verify that your corrective action is successful when removing the wall plate, checking the brass tab, and replacing a damaged receptacle restores full 120-volt power delivery to both plug slots.
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