as in to fail
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
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Recent Examples of malfunction
Furthermore, even non-gas systems are susceptible to failure in low temperatures, as critical components like sensors or valves may malfunction and halt operations.
—
Matt Randolph, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
As the vehicles have become more visible on local roads, drivers and pedestrians have posted videos questioning how the autonomous cars respond to unusual traffic situations, including malfunctioning traffic lights or complicated intersections.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
That your fridge isn’t just malfunctioning because of some electrical failure.
—Broti Gupta, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
Dealership technicians told Mahon that his engine had malfunctioned because of contaminated fuel and that several parts of the engine and fuel systems may have been damaged, the lawsuit stated.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Matt Randolph, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
As the vehicles have become more visible on local roads, drivers and pedestrians have posted videos questioning how the autonomous cars respond to unusual traffic situations, including malfunctioning traffic lights or complicated intersections.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
That your fridge isn’t just malfunctioning because of some electrical failure.
—Broti Gupta, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
Dealership technicians told Mahon that his engine had malfunctioned because of contaminated fuel and that several parts of the engine and fuel systems may have been damaged, the lawsuit stated.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
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Previous attempts at a temporary truce between Russia and Ukraine have all failed to hold.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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Close-range finishing The Bulls relied heavily on their 3-point shooting in Thursday’s loss as shots failed to fall inside the arc.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Small plane crash in Colombia kills 15 BOGOTA, Colombia -- A small plane crashed Wednesday in a rural area of Norte de Santander province in northeast Colombia, killing all 15 people on board including a member of congress, authorities said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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In pictures shared by the CHP, multiple trucks and cars were seen crashed into each other, with personal belongings lying on the ground.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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