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Glite Dictionary
⚠️ A failure ⚠️ To fail
to malfunction

to malfunction

72 4.2
To stop working correctly, as a machine or device
  • verb
  • /ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃən/
translation icon : fallar
  • If the software malfunctions, you may need to restart the system.
  • equipment can malfunction
  • malfunctioning system
  • cause to malfunction

Well, if a cell malfunctions, why is it malfunctioning?

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Examples

  • The printer will malfunction if you do not replace the ink cartridge.

  • You do not want your cameras to malfunction on that expensive vacation you are taking.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Because there are many, if some modules or robots malfunction, others remain to carry on.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Finally, the equipment can malfunction during a coaching session, requiring the coach to use another strategy that day.

    Academic text (2013)

  • What if it opens but malfunctions when we are in the air?

    Evan Carmichael

  • Let me look at it now while it is malfunctioning.

    Heartbeeps (1981)

  • Sensors can also malfunction when they are not maintained properly or when they are operated in unsuitable environments.

    Academic text (2013)

  • In the summer of 1979, Skylab, the first and only manned American space laboratory, malfunctioned and crashed to Earth.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • A relay switch in New Bedford's antiquated sewage treatment plant had malfunctioned and caused a power outage.

    Academic text (1992)

  • During the presentation, the projector malfunctioned and displayed an error message.

Synonyms

to fail
vsto malfunction
370 2.2

Stop working properly, as a machine or part

means incorrect or unintended operation rather than only complete stoppage
to glitch
vsto malfunction
  • Specialized
3 5.8

To stop working correctly for a short time in a device or program

is a broader failure that can be more serious or long lasting
to misfire
vsto malfunction
1 4.3

To fail to get the result you want

focuses on incorrect or faulty operation rather than only missing the intended result

Antonyms

to operate
506 2.8

To make a machine or system work as it should

to function
441 2.6

To work in a particular role or job

Compounds

wardrobe malfunction
  • NSFW
5 6.1

An accidental clothing problem in public that makes you feel embarrassed

How Broken

to collapse
579 3.9
to malfunction
72 4.2
to act up
  • Informal
28 4.8
to work
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

malfunction infinitive
malfunctioned past
malfunctioned past participle
malfunctioning present participle
malfunctions third person singular

Morphology

malfunction = function (transparent) = mal + function

The verb is formed by prefixation of 'mal-' to the verb 'function', giving the direct meaning 'to fail to function properly'.

Etymology

Malfunction as a verb comes from mal- 'bad' plus function 'work', so to malfunction is to fail to 'work' as it should.