malfunctioned

past tense of malfunction
as in failed
to fail to function or work properly A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

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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 In his complaint, lodged in Alameda County Superior Court, Hinterdobler claimed that the same robot line had violently malfunctioned earlier this year. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025 Harrington's sump pump had malfunctioned, failing to push rising waters back outside. Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Distribution lines in Altadena malfunctioned before a fire started on transmission lines near Eaton Canyon. Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned
Verb
  • Robertson only came onto the pitch after 55 minutes, but was forced to deal with three dangerous back-post crosses in the second half after Liverpool failed to stop deliveries coming from their right side.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Her story was largely overlooked by the national news channels and failed to spark sustained outrage.
    Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Price’s vehicle then crashed into a tree, according to the crash report.
    Fox19 staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • When the plane crashed, another driver saw the victim screaming.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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