Synonyms of malfunction

malfunction

verb

as in to fail

to fail to function or work properly

A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

Related Words

• fail
• crash
• die
• act up
• stall
• cut out
• break down
• give out
• break
• sputter
• fizzle
• jam
• conk (out)
• wheeze

Dissimilar Words

• start (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malfunction

But residents say the stream of Airbnb guests in and out of their lobby, around their swimming pools and up and down on the overtaxed, malfunctioning elevators has not abated. — Linda Robertson updated October 22, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Those obstacles were plentiful on the set, since the Rocky puppet was often breaking or malfunctioning. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Zond 8 was considered a success — even though its guidance system malfunctioned on the way back to Earth. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Authorities said Paporakis intended to carry out a shooting, but returned home after the rifle malfunctioned. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026