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Malfunctions: meaning, definitions and examples

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malfunctions

 

[ ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃənz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in technology

Problems or failures that prevent something from working correctly. Malfunctions can occur in various electronic devices, machinery, or systems.

Synonyms

breakdowns, faults, glitches, issues

Examples of usage

  • The malfunctions in the computer network caused delays in the project.
  • The car experienced malfunctions in its engine, leading to a breakdown.
  • The factory had to shut down temporarily due to malfunctions in the production line.
Context #2 | Verb

in technology

To fail to work correctly or as expected. Malfunctions can result from errors in programming, hardware issues, or lack of maintenance.

Synonyms

act up, break down, go wrong

Examples of usage

  • The printer is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired.
  • The system malfunctioned during the software update process.
  • If the equipment malfunctions, please contact technical support for assistance.

Translations

Translations of the word "malfunctions" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falhas

🇮🇳 खराबी

🇩🇪 Fehlfunktionen

🇮🇩 kerusakan

🇺🇦 несправності

🇵🇱 usterki

🇯🇵 故障 (こしょう)

🇫🇷 pannes

🇪🇸 fallos

🇹🇷 arızalar

🇰🇷 오작동

🇸🇦 أعطال

🇨🇿 poruchy

🇸🇰 poruchy

🇨🇳 故障 (gùzhàng)

🇸🇮 okvare

🇮🇸 bilun

🇰🇿 ақаулар

🇬🇪 ხარვეზები

🇦🇿 qüsurlar

🇲🇽 fallos

Etymology

The term 'malfunction' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'mal-' (meaning 'bad' or 'wrong') with 'function'. It is often used in the context of technology and machinery to describe problems or failures in their operation. The concept of malfunctioning has become more prevalent with the advancement of complex electronic systems and devices.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,616, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.