as in to fail
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
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Recent Examples of malfunction
On opening day, the ride malfunctioned and left guests suspended for just under 10 minutes, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Catherine Lane/Getty Images Few household problems create more frustrations or more sticker shock than a malfunctioning air conditioner.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Once white culture begins insisting on its presence, something has malfunctioned.
—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church filled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
—
ABC News,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Catherine Lane/Getty Images Few household problems create more frustrations or more sticker shock than a malfunctioning air conditioner.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Once white culture begins insisting on its presence, something has malfunctioned.
—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church filled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
—
ABC News,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
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From 1994 to 2018, Mexico failed to win a World Cup knockout game and, in 2022, failed to advance past the group stage — its worst showing at a World Cup since 1978.
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Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.
Verb
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The sheriff's office said Butler failed to maintain a single lane before leaving the roadway and crashing through the side of the home.
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Balogun crashed into Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemović, landing his foot on top of Muharemović’s during the physical match.
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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