malfunction

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of malfunction Harrington's sump pump had malfunctioned, failing to push rising waters back outside. Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Distribution lines in Altadena malfunctioned before a fire started on transmission lines near Eaton Canyon. Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 Talk on the internet veered toward some malfunctioning collars, but, overall, the look was sharp. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 Initial investigations by both Universal and state regulators indicate the ride did not malfunction. Eve Chen, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
  • Still down 20-17, the Razorbacks failed on fourth-and-5 from the Tennessee 25 later in the third quarter, and quarterback Taylen Green lost his second fumble of the game early in the fourth at the Arkansas 19.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The following year, several lawmakers were accused of failing to report income or disclose kickbacks, deepening public frustration.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their flight lasted less than a minute before crashing roughly a quarter-mile from the hospital’s helicopter pad.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Minott crashed the glass and dished a couple of fast-break assists.
    Jay King, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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