Malfunctioning: meaning, definitions and examples

⚙️
Add to dictionary

malfunctioning

[ ˌmæl.fəŋk.ʃən.ɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

equipment failure

To malfunction means to fail to function properly or as expected.

Synonyms

break down, faulty, not working.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
malfunctioning

Use when something is not operating correctly but may still be partially working.

  • The printer is malfunctioning; it keeps jamming the paper
break down

Use when something completely stops working and needs repair. Often used for vehicles or machines.

  • The car broke down on the highway, so we had to call a tow truck
not working

Use in casual conversation to indicate that something is not functioning at all.

  • The TV is not working; it won't even turn on
faulty

Use when something has flaws or defects that prevent it from working properly.

  • The manufacturer recalled the faulty airbags due to safety concerns

Examples of usage

  • The air conditioner is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired.
  • The printer is malfunctioning and is not printing any documents.
Context #2 | Noun

equipment failure

A malfunction is a failure to function properly.

Synonyms

breakdown, failure, glitch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
malfunctioning

Used to describe something that is currently not working properly but may not be completely broken. Often used with machinery or technical devices.

  • The printer is malfunctioning and won't print the documents correctly
breakdown

This word is often used for more severe issues where something has stopped working completely. It can be used for machinery, systems, or even mental health.

  • The car had a breakdown on the highway
  • He suffered a mental breakdown due to stress
glitch

Describes a small, often temporary problem with a system or machine. It is less severe than a malfunction or breakdown and usually implies that the issue can be fixed quickly.

  • There was a small glitch in the software, but it was resolved within minutes
failure

Commonly used to indicate the inability of a machine, system, or activity to perform its required function. It implies complete inefficiency and can be used broadly.

  • The power failure caused a blackout in the entire neighborhood
  • The project ended in failure

Examples of usage

  • The car had a malfunction in its engine, causing it to stop suddenly.
  • The company experienced a malfunction in their computer system, leading to data loss.

Translations

Translations of the word "malfunctioning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 funcionamento inadequado

🇮🇳 खराबी

🇩🇪 Fehlfunktion

🇮🇩 kerusakan

🇺🇦 несправність

🇵🇱 awaria

🇯🇵 故障

🇫🇷 dysfonctionnement

🇪🇸 mal funcionamiento

🇹🇷 arızalı

🇰🇷 오작동

🇸🇦 عطل

🇨🇿 porucha

🇸🇰 porucha

🇨🇳 故障

🇸🇮 okvara

🇮🇸 bilun

🇰🇿 ақаулық

🇬🇪 მუშაობის გაუმართაობა

🇦🇿 nasazlıq

🇲🇽 mal funcionamiento

Etymology

The word 'malfunctioning' originated from the combination of 'mal-' meaning 'bad' or 'wrong' and 'function'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in English, referring to the failure of equipment or machinery to operate correctly. The term has since been widely used in technical contexts to describe issues with devices, systems, or machinery not performing as intended.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,646, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.