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
In April of 1980, Carter authorized a hostage rescue mission but three of the eight helicopters sent inside Iran malfunctioned in the desert.
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Jonathan Alter, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024
Chelsea Shame City Zapped of energy and existing on already aging legs, the midfield combination of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva has been one of the main malfunctioning components of the Manchester City machine this season.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The main parachute for Nena Mason, 62, malfunctioned, according to a San Joaquin County death investigation.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025
Darnold’s system malfunctioned in almost every regard.
—Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for malfunction 
Jonathan Alter, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024
Chelsea Shame City Zapped of energy and existing on already aging legs, the midfield combination of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva has been one of the main malfunctioning components of the Manchester City machine this season.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The main parachute for Nena Mason, 62, malfunctioned, according to a San Joaquin County death investigation.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025
Darnold’s system malfunctioned in almost every regard.
—Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for malfunction
Thesaurus Entries Near malfunction
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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