Malfunction: meaning, definitions and examples

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malfunction

[ ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃən ]

^{Context #1}

technical issue

A malfunction is a failure to function correctly or normally, usually due to a defect or a fault. Malfunctions can occur in various devices, systems, or processes.

Synonyms

breakdown, failure, glitch

Examples of usage

The malfunction of the alarm system caused chaos in the building.
The car malfunctioned and stopped working in the middle of the highway.

^{Context #2}

device or system

To malfunction means to fail to work or operate correctly. It describes the action of a device, machine, or system not functioning as intended.

Synonyms

break down, fail, go wrong

Examples of usage

The printer malfunctioned and refused to print the documents.
The air conditioning unit malfunctioned during the heatwave.

Translations

Translations of the word "malfunction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falha

🇮🇳 विफलता

🇩🇪 Fehlfunktion

🇮🇩 kerusakan

🇺🇦 несправність

🇵🇱 awaria

🇯🇵 故障

🇫🇷 défaillance

🇪🇸 falla

🇹🇷 arıza

🇰🇷 고장

🇸🇦 عطل

🇨🇿 porucha

🇸🇰 porucha

🇨🇳 故障

🇸🇮 okvara

🇮🇸 bilun

🇰🇿 ақаулық

🇬🇪 მარცხი

🇦🇿 nasazlıq

🇲🇽 falla

Word origin

The word 'malfunction' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'mal-' meaning 'bad' with 'function' meaning 'perform a task.' The term is commonly used in technical contexts to describe the failure or incorrect operation of a device, machine, or system.