as in down
not being in working order
a malfunctioning computer cost us days of work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in failing
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of malfunctioning
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Another set piece involving a malfunctioning chair lift is excruciatingly tense.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Two park employees quickly arrive to scoop up the malfunctioning animatronic device and carry it away.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai.
—Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The decent from 33,000 feet would have been trickier, especially with malfunctioning instruments.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026
The receiver is not malfunctioning; it has simply been tricked.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
Critics of the chronically malfunctioning Comanche 3 called for closing it rather than spending money to fix a plant that’s expected to close at the end of 2030.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Four civilians died in the UAE, while two members of its armed forces were killed when a malfunctioning helicopter crashed.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The handwash sink next to the restrooms and kitchen had a malfunctioning soap dispenser.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Another set piece involving a malfunctioning chair lift is excruciatingly tense.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
For the second time since launch, Orion’s toilet is malfunctioning.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Two park employees quickly arrive to scoop up the malfunctioning animatronic device and carry it away.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai.
—Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The decent from 33,000 feet would have been trickier, especially with malfunctioning instruments.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026
The receiver is not malfunctioning; it has simply been tricked.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
Critics of the chronically malfunctioning Comanche 3 called for closing it rather than spending money to fix a plant that’s expected to close at the end of 2030.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Four civilians died in the UAE, while two members of its armed forces were killed when a malfunctioning helicopter crashed.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioning
Adjective
-
There are even pillows up to 83% off, like Bedsure’s down-alternative design for back and side sleepers, plus four-piece moistur-wicking bamboo bedding sets under $100.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Some of our stocks bucking Thursday’s down market include Corning , Linde and Costco .—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Making an actual charge is another as Saturday showed with several players getting close to Coughlin, but failing to make up the difference.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
His administration’s handling of the Iran war — from killing scores of schoolchildren based on outdated intelligence to failing to prepare for the closing of the Strait of Hormuz — is just the latest example of its systemic, and deadly, incompetence.—
James Speyer,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers.—
Zaz Hollander,
Anchorage Daily News,
4 Feb. 2023
-
In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system.—
Michael Tomasky,
The New Republic,
30 Jan. 2023
Verb
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In this image taken from video provided by the Aker Qrill Company shows an activist ship, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, crashing into the Antarctic Sea, a vessel operated by Aker Qrill Company, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Antarctica.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Tiger Woods failed field sobriety tests after crashing into another vehicle last week, and had bloodshot eyes and two hydrocodone pills in his pants pocket, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit released Tuesday.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The neighbor was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, which included a broken leg.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Later on Friday night, Greene — who suffered a broken leg while trying to make a getaway after allegedly shooting the innocent little girl — was arraigned remotely in Brooklyn Criminal Court from his hospital bed.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One of the vendors whose contract with Cal OES is ending said that the agency has still not provided evidence that the existing regional Next Generation 911 system is unsafe or nonfunctional.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Several local law enforcement agencies, including the Parker Police Department and Aurora Police Department, reported issues during the height of the afternoon power outages, including nonfunctional emergency phone lines and dark traffic lights.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The antiskid system was inoperative, and all four main tires on the landing gear blew.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Every home has that one drawer where unknown or inoperative chargers end up, becoming a tangled mess.—
Kaylei Fear,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The blasts ocurred in international waters and left the pipelines inoperable.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Unfortunately for tourists looking for a place to go, the one that showed up Monday morning on the promenade in front of the Lincoln Memorial is inoperable.—
Joe Heim,
Washington Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioning. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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