MALFUNCTION Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

malfunction

verb

Definition of malfunction next

as in to fail

to fail to function or work properly A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

start (up)

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 The Waffle House waitress said the building’s management was inattentive to a raft of deeper issues, from sewage backups that crept into her bathtub to mold and a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. —

Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026 The rollout has drawn scrutiny over traffic disruptions, safety investigations and incidents involving stalled or malfunctioning vehicles, while also heightening anxiety among some ride-hailing drivers about the future of their jobs. —

Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 As the season started collapsing around the Knicks, the Garden shot clocks malfunctioned in Game 5, forcing the use of old-school clocks on the floor. —

Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 26 May 2026 Initially, several of the victims' families assumed that the car had malfunctioned or that Shirilla had been under the influence of substances. —

Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for malfunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction

Verb

However, the anticipated state finals clash was not to be as Calabasas dropped the baton in the Southern Section finals and failed to advance.

— Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
It has been cited seven times by the AQMD since 2012 for such things as failing to report breakdowns and failing to maintain a system that measures and records temperatures.

— Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026