as in failed
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
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Recent Examples of malfunctioned
The first satellite, which cost $700 million, malfunctioned upon its entrance into orbit.
—
Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
The vehicle successfully placed a Blue Origin prototype satellite in orbit, although its first-stage booster malfunctioned and fell into the ocean.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
David also allegedly pulled a gun on his stepfather Charles O'Donnel and shot at him, but the gun malfunctioned, saving the man's life, Moran said in court in May 2025.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
An early such prototype, worn by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya at the 2015 Berlin Marathon, infamously malfunctioned during the race, costing him the world record.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, another one had malfunctioned in spectacular fashion.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Fire officials said the initial investigation found oxygen sensors used in the plant's magnesium transfer, which is usually transferred using argon gas to prevent oxygen exposure, may have malfunctioned and the subsequent exposure to oxygen may have caused the explosion.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Our one qualm is that during testing, the cases sustained dents, and the zipper malfunctioned.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
But the system started showing signs of trouble shortly into the flight and eventually malfunctioned as flight Day 3 was winding down.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
The vehicle successfully placed a Blue Origin prototype satellite in orbit, although its first-stage booster malfunctioned and fell into the ocean.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
David also allegedly pulled a gun on his stepfather Charles O'Donnel and shot at him, but the gun malfunctioned, saving the man's life, Moran said in court in May 2025.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
An early such prototype, worn by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya at the 2015 Berlin Marathon, infamously malfunctioned during the race, costing him the world record.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, another one had malfunctioned in spectacular fashion.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Fire officials said the initial investigation found oxygen sensors used in the plant's magnesium transfer, which is usually transferred using argon gas to prevent oxygen exposure, may have malfunctioned and the subsequent exposure to oxygen may have caused the explosion.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Our one qualm is that during testing, the cases sustained dents, and the zipper malfunctioned.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
But the system started showing signs of trouble shortly into the flight and eventually malfunctioned as flight Day 3 was winding down.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned
Verb
-
The show focuses on how the Metropolitan Police failed to thoroughly investigate two women’s allegations, which left Worboys free to commit assaults undetected for many years.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
In 2013, Hall tried (and failed) to replicate the previous magic and his show was cancelled after one season, many blaming tougher competition than before.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Zevik Glidai, a 78-year-old math teacher and volunteer ambulance driver, discovered coils of the translucent fiber-optic cables surrounding a drone that crashed into his backyard in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona on April 13.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
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About 10 seconds later, the Tesla ran the red light at the intersection and crashed into the Dodge.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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