Malfunctioning: meaning, definitions and examples
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malfunctioning
[ ˌmæl.fəŋk.ʃən.ɪŋ ]
equipment failure
To malfunction means to fail to function properly or as expected.
Synonyms
break down, faulty, not working.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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malfunctioning |
Use when something is not operating correctly but may still be partially working.
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break down |
Use when something completely stops working and needs repair. Often used for vehicles or machines.
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not working |
Use in casual conversation to indicate that something is not functioning at all.
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faulty |
Use when something has flaws or defects that prevent it from working properly.
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Examples of usage
- The air conditioner is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired.
- The printer is malfunctioning and is not printing any documents.
equipment failure
A malfunction is a failure to function properly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.