malfunction

verb

mal·func·tion | \ ˌmal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən

malfunctioned; malfunctioning; malfunctions

Definition of malfunction

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to function imperfectly or badly : fail to operate normally

malfunction

noun

plural malfunctions

Definition of malfunction (Entry 2 of 2)

: a failure to operate or function in the normal or correct manner : the action or an instance of malfunctioning a hardware/equipment malfunction Once thought to be a disease itself dropsy is now known to be a sign of several kinds of body malfunction, especially congestive heart failure and kidney disease.— C. Clairborne Ray In schizophrenia this filtering system malfunctions or short-circuits. This malfunction causes people to misevaluate what they see, hear, and experience in their environment.— Richard Crino

Other Words from malfunction Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about malfunction

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of malfunction in a Sentence

Verb

A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Investigations are underway into what happened, though it's known that angle-measuring sensors in both planes malfunctioned, alerting anti-stall software to push the noses of the planes down. — Angela Charlton, chicagotribune.com, "Boeing's 'sorry' for 737 Max crashes draws mixed responses from victims' families, airlines," 17 June 2019 The sensors malfunctioned, alerting software to push the noses of the planes down. — Time, "Boeing CEO Concedes 'Mistake' Made With 737 Max Jets," 16 June 2019 In most instances, zip line brake equipment malfunctioned or patrons failed to use brakes and people slammed into towers, Narreau said. — Kirk Mitchell, The Denver Post, "As popularity of zip lines in Colorado soars, severe crashes raise safety concerns," 11 Aug. 2019 The system malfunctioned in both crashes, sending the planes into unrecoverable nose dives. — David Gelles, BostonGlobe.com, "Families of Boeing crash victims seek a full review of the 737 Max," 7 Aug. 2019 Silva also used a Taser on Chong, who was apparently mentally ill and was refusing the officer’s orders to give his real name and birth date, but the stun gun malfunctioned, according to police. — Sukey Lewis, The Mercury News, "Los Gatos cop resigns amid outcry over previous firing for SJSU beating," 22 July 2019 In 2017, an ice compressor at the Carolina Hurricanes' PNC Arena malfunctioned, softening the ice so badly that a regular-season game had to be postponed. — Julia Stumbaugh, azcentral, "Arizona Coyotes arena technician's cool job: maintaining ice in the desert," 10 July 2019 In one instance, batteries in a headlamp malfunctioned and started a fire, which caused more than $300,000 in damages to a consumer's house. — Kate Cox, Ars Technica, "Court rules Amazon can be held responsible for defective third-party goods," 8 July 2019 Of the 60 satellites launched in May, only three malfunctioned and were unable to communicate with the ground, a SpaceX spokesperson said Friday. — Jackie Wattles, CNN, "SpaceX says most of its internet satellites are fully functional," 28 June 2019

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.