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
Investigators documented that flooding in the parking area from leaky pipes has persisted since at least 2023, while a malfunctioning security gate posed a safety risk.
—
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
The one-time treatment, called RGX-121, is designed to replace a malfunctioning gene that causes mucopolysaccharidosis type II, also known as Hunter syndrome, an ultra-rare disorder that causes physical and cognitive impairments.
—Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 9 Feb. 2026
There has been some pushback against Waymo’s rollout, including roughly two dozen protesters in January upset following instances of malfunctioning cars and collisions.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026
But after the first attempt malfunctioned — the lace caught on the bottom of Buckley's bouquet, resulting in the veil accidentally yanking her head back — everyone is now on high alert.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
The one-time treatment, called RGX-121, is designed to replace a malfunctioning gene that causes mucopolysaccharidosis type II, also known as Hunter syndrome, an ultra-rare disorder that causes physical and cognitive impairments.
—Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 9 Feb. 2026
There has been some pushback against Waymo’s rollout, including roughly two dozen protesters in January upset following instances of malfunctioning cars and collisions.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2026
But after the first attempt malfunctioned — the lace caught on the bottom of Buckley's bouquet, resulting in the veil accidentally yanking her head back — everyone is now on high alert.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
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Israel’s government has repeatedly criticized its counterpart in Australia for failing to address antisemitic attacks in the country.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Zimmerman also argued that the trial attorneys failed to hire experts to testify on Serafini’s behalf in the trial, and that Dratman did not provide much of a defense in his closing argument.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But on the last and third day of the trip, an avalanche came crashing down, killing three guides and five guests, and leaving six survivors.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
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In 1982 in California, an avalanche crashed into the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe, killing seven people, including four resort employees who remained on site even though the resort had been closed for the day because of the dangerous conditions.—
Greg Norman-Diamond,
FOXNews.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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