malfunction

[ mal-fuhngk-shuhn ]

noun

1. failure to function properly:

   a malfunction of the liver; the malfunction of a rocket.

verb (used without object)

1. to fail to function properly.

malfunction

/ mælˈfʌŋkʃən /

verb

1. intr to function imperfectly or irregularly or fail to function

noun

1. failure to function or defective functioning

Word History and Origins

Origin of malfunction¹

First recorded in 1925–30; mal- + function

Example Sentences

After TSA notified residents in August of an impending 7% rent increase, nearly 40 tenants emailed letters protesting the rent spike and airing grievances, including malfunctioning fire alarms and elevator breakdowns.

From Los Angeles Times

Footage from ABC7 News helicopters showed amusement park staff using a crane to perform repairs on the malfunctioning ride at around 3:30 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Early on election day in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, a Republican stronghold, there were problems with voting machines malfunctioning.

From BBC

Another mum said the malfunction happened within three minutes, but the display was not stopped.

From BBC

Election officials confirmed the video was authentic and the machine did malfunction, but said it was an isolated incident and the voter was able to cast their ballot as intended.

From BBC

Related Words

• bug
• defect
• fault
• flaw
• glitch
• impairment