malfunction
1 of 2verb
mal·func·tion ˌmal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 
malfunctioned; malfunctioning; malfunctions
intransitive verb
: to function imperfectly or badly : fail to operate normally
malfunction
2 of 2noun
plural malfunctions
: a failure to operate or function in the normal or correct manner : the action or an instance of malfunctioning
a hardware/equipment malfunction
Once thought to be a disease itself dropsy is now known to be a sign of several kinds of body malfunction, especially congestive heart failure and kidney disease.
C. Clairborne Ray
C. Clairborne RayIn schizophrenia this filtering system malfunctions or short-circuits. This malfunction causes people to misevaluate what they see, hear, and experience in their environment. Richard Crino
Richard Crino
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A malfunctioning switch might keep us from turning on a light. A malfunctioning heart valve might require replacement with an artificial valve, and if your immune system malfunctions it may start to attack healthy cells. And a malfunction in a voting machine could result in hundreds of votes being miscounted.
Example Sentences
Verb A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Recent Examples on the Web Detroit Free Press, 9 July 2022 On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed. USA TODAY, 1 July 2022 That’s because Laars issued a recall for two boilers that can malfunction. Chris Smith, BGR, 24 July 2022 The devices can malfunction and start themselves without any user input. Chris Smith, BGR, 14 June 2022 The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire. Detroit Free Press, 20 Feb. 2022 At least once a day, some kind of equipment would malfunction or fail entirely, leading to downtime in fulfilling orders. Stephanie Cain, Fortune, 31 May 2022 The brake lights may malfunction by unintentionally flickering due to faulty rear tail lights. USA TODAY, 13 May 2022 And Dollar Tree recalled about a million hot glue guns that can malfunction while in use. Chris Smith, BGR, 9 May 2022 See More
Verb
On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed. Detroit Free Press, 9 July 2022 On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed. USA TODAY, 1 July 2022 That’s because Laars issued a recall for two boilers that can malfunction. Chris Smith, BGR, 24 July 2022 The devices can malfunction and start themselves without any user input. Chris Smith, BGR, 14 June 2022 The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire. Detroit Free Press, 20 Feb. 2022 At least once a day, some kind of equipment would malfunction or fail entirely, leading to downtime in fulfilling orders. Stephanie Cain, Fortune, 31 May 2022 The brake lights may malfunction by unintentionally flickering due to faulty rear tail lights. USA TODAY, 13 May 2022 And Dollar Tree recalled about a million hot glue guns that can malfunction while in use. Chris Smith, BGR, 9 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Verb
1941, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1892, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
malfunction
intransitive verb
mal·func·tion (ˈ)mal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən
: to function imperfectly or badly : fail to operate in the normal or usual manner
malfunctioning kidneys
malfunctioned
verb
as in failed
to fail to function or work properly A software problem is causing the system to malfunction. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- failed
- crashed
- died
- stalled
- acted up
- fizzled
- jammed
- broke
- sputtered
- broke down
- cut out
- wheezed
- gave out
- conked (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- started (up)