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

Voters in six counties used the machines during local elections last fall, and the state used the machines for its primaries, but both of those pilots had some equipment malfunctions, and many Georgians have yet to use the machines.

From FiveThirtyEight

It’s not uncommon for drones to malfunction or collide with other objects, including airplanes.

From Voice of San Diego

These are sensors on the key components of the truck that can predict when a malfunction is likely to occur.

From Popular-Science

By targeting precincts where most people vote for a particular candidate or party, a hacker could potentially swing a close election just by triggering malfunctions in electronic poll books.

From Ars Technica

Boeing and regulators had approved the design under the assumption that flight crews could recognize and override a malfunction of the system within a few seconds.

From Fortune

Harry appeared to tease his blond friend after the wardrobe malfunction was spotted.

From The Daily Beast

The Queen, who has lead weights sewn into her dress, would never let such a wardrobe malfunction occurr.

From The Daily Beast

From Beyoncé and Paul McCartney to the most famous wardrobe malfunction on live television, see the best performances.

From The Daily Beast

He might have kept shooting, but his rifle had what police term “a malfunction of some sort.”

From The Daily Beast

During the Emmys she had this wardrobe malfunction where her ass came out of her dress and he got slammed for not helping her.

From The Daily Beast

Mechanical class, including malfunction of Hegler units and such.

From Project Gutenberg

VT672, had an unexplained malfunction and was left behind to be repaired by the slave technicians who followed the Horde.

From Project Gutenberg

Naturally—it would have to follow its own solution, if there was no indication of malfunction.

From Project Gutenberg

His own malfunction-indicator wasn't telling him much either.

From Project Gutenberg

If it's just a malfunction in one of the units, I can dump another one down there.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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