Definition of malfunction
intransitive verb
:to function imperfectly or badly :fail to operate normally
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Examples of malfunction in a Sentence
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Recent Examples of malfunction from the Web
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Apparently, the drainage systems in The Swamp are malfunctioning as well.
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A test in 2008 used an older model SM-3 to destroy a malfunctioning satellite in orbit.
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With debris from last weekend’s flash flood still piled up on sidewalks and their city under a state of emergency, New Orleans residents looked ahead warily Friday to the prospect of more rain taxing the city’s malfunctioning pump system.
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By the end of the inning, the Cardinals had put up six runs, and the Kansas City defense had malfunctioned again.
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COLUMBUS - The family of 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell, who was killed Wednesday after an Ohio State Fair ride malfunctioned, has retained attorneys to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
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The stadium's malfunctioning video board in left field sat dark during the Stars' final seasons.
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In that incident, a fridge malfunctioned on the fourth floor and caught ignited much of the building.
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A MDA handout from 2016 lists the previous 13 tests, not including four in which the test missile malfunctioned and interceptors were not launched.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malfunction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
A malfunctioning switch might keep us from turning on a light. A malfunctioning heart valve might require replacement with an artificial valve, and if your immune system malfunctions it may start to attack healthy cells. And a malfunction in a voting machine could result in hundreds of votes being miscounted.
First Known Use of malfunction
1941
MALFUNCTION Defined for English Language Learners
malfunction
play
verb
Definition of malfunction for English Language Learners
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: to fail to function or work properly
Medical Dictionary
malfunction
play
intransitive verb
mal·func·tion
\
(ˈ)mal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən
\
medical Definition of malfunction
:to function imperfectly or badly :fail to operate in the normal or usual manner
- malfunctioning kidneys
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malfunction
nounLearn More about malfunction
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Spanish Central: Translation of malfunction Nglish: Translation of malfunction for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of malfunction for Arabic speakers
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