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Malfunction: meaning, definitions and examples

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malfunction

 

[ ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃən ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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 | Verb

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.

See also: dysfunction, dysfunctional, functional, functionality, functionally, functionaries, functionary, functioning, functions, malfunctions, misfunction, multifunctional, multifunctionality, nonfunctional, perfunctory.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,257, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.