wardrobe malfunction

American  

[wawr-drohb mal-fuhngk-shuhn] / ˈwɔr droʊb mælˌfʌŋk ʃən /

noun

Facetious.

1. an instance of a piece of clothing slipping, ripping, etc., and causing embarrassment for the wearer.

   One of the models had an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction during the fashion show.

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wardrobe malfunction British  

noun

1. informal an embarrassing situation caused by the clothes a person is wearing

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Etymology

Origin of wardrobe malfunction

2004; coined by Justin Timberlake (born 1981), American singer and actor

Example Sentences

But for expert-turned-presenter Danny Sebastian, one particular kick led to an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

Justin Timberlake suffered a wardrobe malfunction at his Forget Tomorrow World Tour stop in Nashville last week.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2025

This emphasis on mass appeal explains why controversies such as Janet Jackson’s infamous 2004 wardrobe malfunction involving Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé’s politically charged "Formation" performance in 2016, sparked such swift backlash.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2025

They also did an American Smooth, scoring them 39 out of 40 - despite Coppola suffering a wardrobe malfunction.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2024

Audiences are reconsidering mid-2000s pop cultural events like the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction seen ’round the world at the Super Bowl halftime in 2004, and the media’s cruel treatment of Britney Spears, Timberlake’s ex-girlfriend.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2024