as in to fail
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of malfunction
Retail experts saw a lack of investment in Hudson’s Bay stores, diminishing service levels and deteriorating physical conditions, like malfunctioning escalators and water damage in certain locations.
—
David Moin, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore became stuck in space when their Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned last year.
—Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
This issue is typically due to a malfunctioning control panel, electrical issues, or faulty wiring.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
At some point during the trip, the door malfunctioned.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
David Moin, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore became stuck in space when their Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned last year.
—Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
This issue is typically due to a malfunctioning control panel, electrical issues, or faulty wiring.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
At some point during the trip, the door malfunctioned.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
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That effort cost Obama's party control of the U.S. House of Representatives, while Republicans failed in their own bids to repeal the law.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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Even though the measure failed in Bensenville, at least 163 communities around the state have recently enacted local grocery taxes.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Videos shared on social media by the news agency of the Philippine government showed chaos at the airport, and a black SUV crashed into the entryway of the terminal.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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Pilot Andres Velarde said the plane crashed in an emergency landing after having engine failure, according to BBC News.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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