as in failed
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
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Recent Examples of malfunctioned
Police said the electrical escalator malfunctioned, suddenly jolted, and threw people on it forward.
—
Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Investigators later equipped the inmate with covert recording equipment during the probe, according to the outlet, though authorities said the technology malfunctioned during some interactions.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The first satellite, which cost $700 million, malfunctioned upon its entrance into orbit.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
The vehicle successfully placed a Blue Origin prototype satellite in orbit, although its first-stage booster malfunctioned and fell into the ocean.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
An early such prototype, worn by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya at the 2015 Berlin Marathon, infamously malfunctioned during the race, costing him the world record.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, another one had malfunctioned in spectacular fashion.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Our one qualm is that during testing, the cases sustained dents, and the zipper malfunctioned.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
But the system started showing signs of trouble shortly into the flight and eventually malfunctioned as flight Day 3 was winding down.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Investigators later equipped the inmate with covert recording equipment during the probe, according to the outlet, though authorities said the technology malfunctioned during some interactions.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The first satellite, which cost $700 million, malfunctioned upon its entrance into orbit.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
The vehicle successfully placed a Blue Origin prototype satellite in orbit, although its first-stage booster malfunctioned and fell into the ocean.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
An early such prototype, worn by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya at the 2015 Berlin Marathon, infamously malfunctioned during the race, costing him the world record.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, another one had malfunctioned in spectacular fashion.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Our one qualm is that during testing, the cases sustained dents, and the zipper malfunctioned.
—Nathan Allen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
But the system started showing signs of trouble shortly into the flight and eventually malfunctioned as flight Day 3 was winding down.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned
Verb
-
Garnacho has had far more opportunities and failed to make an impact.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The country is going through its worst economic and energy crisis in several decades, mainly the result of years of mismanagement, failed economic policies and corruption.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Somehow, Navarro countered with a cutter as both men crashed through the sea of chairs.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
Four people were killed on May 14 when a medical transport airplane crashed in New Mexico and caused a fire, authorities said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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