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
And in Baltimore, a malfunctioning Amtrak train left riders temporarily stranded without air conditioning in the depths of its tunnel system.
—
Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Truth Social malfunctioned on Saturday night amid President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States had bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities.
—Andrew Couts, Wired News, 22 June 2025
Then several incidents of trains malfunctioning further set back ridership.
—Janhavi Munde, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
The sound throughout the broadcast was all over the place with Keanu Reeves and Charli D’Amelio presenting in front malfunctioning microphones.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Truth Social malfunctioned on Saturday night amid President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States had bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities.
—Andrew Couts, Wired News, 22 June 2025
Then several incidents of trains malfunctioning further set back ridership.
—Janhavi Munde, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
The sound throughout the broadcast was all over the place with Keanu Reeves and Charli D’Amelio presenting in front malfunctioning microphones.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
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In 2022, Lenn Catley's heart began to fail because of amyloidosis, a buildup of proteins from his liver that attacked his heart.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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McKinsey & Company revealed in 2017 that 40-50% of new leaders fail within their first 18 months, despite following textbook transition plans.—
Stacey Stratton,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
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In the week since a driver crashed through a barrier and seriously injured two 22-year-olds, their families are left with questions and anger.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
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The car ultimately crashed against an oil buffer at the bottom of the building — a kind of emergency fail-safe meant to stop falling elevators — and the buffer's piston smashed through much of it.—
Susan Young,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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