malfunction

1 of 2

verb

mal·​func·​tion ˌmal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce malfunction (audio)
malfunctioned; malfunctioning; malfunctions

intransitive verb

: to function imperfectly or badly : fail to operate normally

malfunction

2 of 2

noun

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
In 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

Did you know?

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.

Examples of malfunction in a Sentence

Verb A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The suit, filed in state court in Santa Clara County, alleges Brin’s $8 million twin-engine seaplane was improperly outfitted with an auxiliary fuel tank that malfunctioned several hours into the May 20 flight, forcing an emergency return to California. Rachel Graf, Fortune, 21 Feb. 2024 Justice not served is justice denied under the malfunctioning leadership of the current Constable. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024 On the day the Dixie Fire sparked, a PG&E employee couldn’t immediately communicate with authorities that a power line near Cresta Dam in remote Plumas County malfunctioned, investigators have said. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2024 Some Ocean owners have complained that their EVs are losing power, and there are additional complaints of malfunctioning key fobs and hoods that suddenly open while in motion, according to TechCrunch. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2024 Your navigator could get air sickness, your gunners could be too cold to shoot effectively and the plane may malfunction for any number of reasons. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024 Baldwin’s defense team has suggested the actor’s prop gun was faulty and may have malfunctioned, leading to its discharge — a theory that is expected to be a centerpiece of the actor’s defense. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 The spacecraft made a nail-biting descent to the lunar surface on Thursday, with a last-minute software patch to make up for malfunctioning navigation sensors. Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2024 In total, Ford has issued four recalls this month for reasons ranging from suspension and steering issues to malfunctioning seat belts. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
The jets were grounded after a door plug malfunction blew a hole during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024 Prior to her zipper malfunction, Stone, who won Best Actress for her role as Bella Baxter in Poor Things, turned heads on the red carpet with her Oscars look — a strapless, silk jacquard gown with a stunning architectural peplum skirt. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The theories range from a mechanical malfunction to evil foul play by the pilot and even some broader political conspiracy. Greg Palkot, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2024 Kacey Musgraves didn't let a minor wardrobe malfunction get in the way of her debut musical guest appearance on Saturday Night Live. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 Sanders' reimagining marks the fifth in a series of adaptations, the most notable being the 1994 film starring Brandon Lee, which was shrouded in tragedy during its production after Lee, the 28-year-old son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died following a firearm malfunction on set. EW.com, 28 Feb. 2024 Academic researchers have found that charging stations have become notoriously unreliable, with at least a 20% malfunction rate. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 The most common causes of injuries include fires, falls, fatigue, machinery malfunctions, and lack of safety culture on rigs. Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 Imagine being shot out of a cannon, with better views and less risk of a wardrobe malfunction. Laura Parker, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malfunction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malfunction was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near malfunction

Cite this Entry

“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malfunction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

malfunction

verb
mal·​func·​tion (ˈ)mal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce malfunction (audio)
: to fail to function or operate properly
malfunction noun

Medical Definition

malfunction

intransitive verb
mal·​func·​tion (ˈ)mal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce malfunction (audio)
: to function imperfectly or badly : fail to operate in the normal or usual manner
malfunctioning kidneys
malfunction noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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