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

Not only should the ride have never malfunctioned, but the crisis was further exacerbated by the lack of a safety plan at Oaks Park. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Deaths apparently caused by malfunctioning or inaccessible doorhandles, have led to regulatory changes in China, prompting the widespread recalls involving nine automakers. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Since the animatronic shark frequently malfunctioned on set, Jaws was forced to merely suggest the creature’s foreboding presence with ominous first-person camerawork instead of showing the killer up close. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

But reports suggest initial enrollment takes longer, and has been slowed down by malfunctioning equipment, technical bugs, insufficient personnel, and inconsistent implementation across crossings. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 12 Aug. 2026