as in failed
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 malfunctioned
Meanwhile, another one had malfunctioned in spectacular fashion.
—
Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Fire officials said the initial investigation found oxygen sensors used in the plant's magnesium transfer, which is usually transferred using argon gas to prevent oxygen exposure, may have malfunctioned and the subsequent exposure to oxygen may have caused the explosion.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Once inside, Hawkins allegedly pointed a gun at a female student and yelled for people to get on the ground before pulling the trigger, but the weapon malfunctioned and did not fire, according to the affidavit.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 15 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
Orion’s toilet malfunctioned as soon as the Artemis crew reached orbit Wednesday evening.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
In 2021, an animatronic figure of Abraham Lincoln malfunctioned during a performance of Disney World’s Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Other video from key hours around Epstein’s death, which would have shown the tier with his cell, was not available because the jail’s video recording system malfunctioned.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Fire officials said the initial investigation found oxygen sensors used in the plant's magnesium transfer, which is usually transferred using argon gas to prevent oxygen exposure, may have malfunctioned and the subsequent exposure to oxygen may have caused the explosion.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Once inside, Hawkins allegedly pointed a gun at a female student and yelled for people to get on the ground before pulling the trigger, but the weapon malfunctioned and did not fire, according to the affidavit.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 15 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
Orion’s toilet malfunctioned as soon as the Artemis crew reached orbit Wednesday evening.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
In 2021, an animatronic figure of Abraham Lincoln malfunctioned during a performance of Disney World’s Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Other video from key hours around Epstein’s death, which would have shown the tier with his cell, was not available because the jail’s video recording system malfunctioned.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned
Verb
-
The show focuses on how the Metropolitan Police failed to thoroughly investigate two women’s allegations, which left Worboys free to commit assaults undetected for many years.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
In 2013, Hall tried (and failed) to replicate the previous magic and his show was cancelled after one season, many blaming tougher competition than before.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Zevik Glidai, a 78-year-old math teacher and volunteer ambulance driver, discovered coils of the translucent fiber-optic cables surrounding a drone that crashed into his backyard in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona on April 13.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
About 10 seconds later, the Tesla ran the red light at the intersection and crashed into the Dodge.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
