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
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Kevin’s family, said that while the ride might not have malfunctioned, there still may have been safety issues with the ride.
—
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
During the chase, the man was seen pointing a firearm at the officer, but the weapon malfunctioned, according to court documents.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025
In addition, the electronic start or key fob malfunctioned during my week with the ADX, requiring me to press the start button with the fob.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
At least one of Boston’s polling locations ran into challenges on Preliminary Day when a machine malfunctioned during the first half of the day, an issue that was resolved within minutes, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
The combination of the roof drain and the city line to the road malfunctioned, both contributing to flooding in the school's two 4K classrooms, which are two rooms that are joined together and are divided by a moveable wall.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Props malfunctioned, the set grew claustrophobic, and the cast was sometimes left waiting around idly while Scott and cinematographer Derek Vanlint obsessed over lighting details.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025
Those alterations include adjustments to a component called a fuel diffuser, which the company believes malfunctioned during the last flight, causing higher-than-expected pressure to build up in Starship’s nose cone.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
An automatic routing system meant to select appropriate model variants malfunctioned on launch day, consistently defaulting to less capable versions.
—Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
During the chase, the man was seen pointing a firearm at the officer, but the weapon malfunctioned, according to court documents.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 22 Sep. 2025
In addition, the electronic start or key fob malfunctioned during my week with the ADX, requiring me to press the start button with the fob.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
At least one of Boston’s polling locations ran into challenges on Preliminary Day when a machine malfunctioned during the first half of the day, an issue that was resolved within minutes, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
The combination of the roof drain and the city line to the road malfunctioned, both contributing to flooding in the school's two 4K classrooms, which are two rooms that are joined together and are divided by a moveable wall.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Props malfunctioned, the set grew claustrophobic, and the cast was sometimes left waiting around idly while Scott and cinematographer Derek Vanlint obsessed over lighting details.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025
Those alterations include adjustments to a component called a fuel diffuser, which the company believes malfunctioned during the last flight, causing higher-than-expected pressure to build up in Starship’s nose cone.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
An automatic routing system meant to select appropriate model variants malfunctioned on launch day, consistently defaulting to less capable versions.
—Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned
Verb
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Owners of The Grand, 1125 Grand Blvd, claim the parking lot’s owners have failed to provide adequate surveillance and security, and that their failure to do so has bred a hot spot for criminal activity.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Bell concluded that the plaintiffs failed to show that their data was misused as a result of the breach.—
Chase Jordan
October 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As Brown crashed hard onto the orange turf of the end zone, his helmet popped off, spinning several yards while Brown continued rolling with the ball clutched in his arms.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Oct. 2025
-
In 1999, seeing that two Blue Angels crashed and were killed, Latham took it upon himself to mail two copies of poem to the Angels — without expectation of compensation, of course.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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