Malfunction: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in formal or technical settings to describe when something isn't working correctly, especially machinery or equipment.

• The machine malfunctioned during the test run
• The software experienced a minor malfunction

Often used to refer to a complete and sudden failure, commonly in both human emotional states or mechanical contexts.

• The car had a breakdown on the highway
• She had an emotional breakdown after hearing the news

This word can be used broadly to describe the lack of success or the inability to perform a function. It can have a negative connotation, especially when referring to human efforts.

• The project was a complete failure
• System failure caused a major outage in the network

Generally used to describe a minor, often temporary fault in a system, usually electronic or computer-based.

• There was a glitch in the video game causing it to freeze
• The website had a glitch that prevented users from logging in

Again, this is used for specific issues with mechanical or electronic systems.

• Our security system malfunctioned last night
• The app malfunctioned after the latest update

Appropriate for situations involving machinery or vehicles stopping working completely.

• Our car broke down in the middle of the highway
• The washing machine broke down and flooded the laundry room

Best for general situations where something does not achieve the desired result or stops working.

• The new software failed to transfer the data
• The experiment failed due to a lack of accurate measurements

Used in everyday language to describe situations where things do not happen as planned, more informal and can refer to non-mechanical issues as well.

• Everything seemed to go wrong on our vacation
• When the lights went out, we realized something had gone wrong with the electrical wiring