as in down
not being in working order
a malfunctioning computer cost us days of work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in failing
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of malfunctioning
Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Another set piece involving a malfunctioning chair lift is excruciatingly tense.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The move comes after a long shutdown at Ramos’ other property, Cebada Rooftop in Coral Gables, which was closed from September 2025 until January of 2026 due to a malfunctioning elevator.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Crypto of all varieties seems to be malfunctioning compared to the shiny stuff.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Ultraviolet purifiers have issues with batteries malfunctioning in the cold.
—Kaelyn Lynch, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
With the deal tabled, the cooperative is addressing issues such as damaged ceilings, peeling paint, and malfunctioning heaters before relisting the property.
—Hamza Adel Fahmy, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
As the vehicles have become more visible on local roads, drivers and pedestrians have posted videos questioning how the autonomous cars respond to unusual traffic situations, including malfunctioning traffic lights or complicated intersections.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
That your fridge isn’t just malfunctioning because of some electrical failure.
—Broti Gupta, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
If a traffic signal is malfunctioning, motorists should treat the intersection as a four-way stop, Casey told the Observer.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Another set piece involving a malfunctioning chair lift is excruciatingly tense.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
There has been some pushback against Waymo’s rollout, including roughly two dozen protesters in January upset following instances of malfunctioning cars and collisions.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The move comes after a long shutdown at Ramos’ other property, Cebada Rooftop in Coral Gables, which was closed from September 2025 until January of 2026 due to a malfunctioning elevator.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
Crypto of all varieties seems to be malfunctioning compared to the shiny stuff.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Ultraviolet purifiers have issues with batteries malfunctioning in the cold.
—Kaelyn Lynch, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
With the deal tabled, the cooperative is addressing issues such as damaged ceilings, peeling paint, and malfunctioning heaters before relisting the property.
—Hamza Adel Fahmy, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
As the vehicles have become more visible on local roads, drivers and pedestrians have posted videos questioning how the autonomous cars respond to unusual traffic situations, including malfunctioning traffic lights or complicated intersections.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
That your fridge isn’t just malfunctioning because of some electrical failure.
—Broti Gupta, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
If a traffic signal is malfunctioning, motorists should treat the intersection as a four-way stop, Casey told the Observer.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioning
Adjective
-
The Kansas City Chiefs had a down season in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Most groups of particles will have a random mix of up and down spins, but the researchers found that a particular kind of particle that has been produced at the collider has often come in pairs with matching spin directions.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The incident came to light after two DEA whistleblowers accused the agency of failing to address the allegations involving corruption in its Haiti operations.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2026
-
As a result, the plaintiffs argued, the administration also violated the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 by failing to consider the harmful environmental impacts of the project.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers.—
Zaz Hollander,
Anchorage Daily News,
4 Feb. 2023
-
In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system.—
Michael Tomasky,
The New Republic,
30 Jan. 2023
Verb
-
Bad Bunny pretaped the segment inside the casita, faux-falling through the roof and quite literally crashing a family gathering before exiting to the remainder of the performance.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The Bulls failed in their attempt to construct a team around veterans through free agency and trades, briefly showing flashes of promise in the 2021-22 season before crashing back to earth.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Harbin, who transferred from Portage after also attending Bishop Noll and Don Bosco, gained eligibility, and Young returned after suffering a broken hand.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Many have pointed out that the evidence of climate change has only grown stronger over time with annual heat records being set and broken year after year and weather extremes from hurricanes to flooding to wildfires exacerbated by climate change.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Three light tubes over the retail area were nonfunctional.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
January 30,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
There wasn’t much else to do considering the Wi-Fi, now free for all Rapid Rewards members, was nonfunctional.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The agency has also probed 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles after reports of exterior door handles becoming inoperative due to low battery voltage, leading to instances of children stuck inside.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The Info menu indicates the right rear sensor is inoperative.—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast,
Hartford Courant,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Fare gates recently installed at Boston's South Station to combat fare evasion are currently inoperable and covered in plastic.—
Samantha Chaney,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
-
When seized by Detroit police, the van was inoperable.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioning. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
