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
But Calypso’s thrusters malfunctioned during docking, and the spacecraft temporarily lost its ability to fully control its motion and position in space—a moment that, according to Isaacman and other sources, could easily have ended in disaster.
—
Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2026
Shortly after the launch, however, mission managers detected helium leaks in the capsule’s propulsion system, and then several thrusters malfunctioned as the spacecraft tried to dock with the space station.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026
Court records state Jenkins attempted to shoot Kimber, but the gun malfunctioned.
—CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
The agreement would also require the company to replace a grinder pump that repeatedly malfunctioned and discharged large pieces of debris into the city’s sewer system, requiring costly repairs.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
But after the first attempt malfunctioned — the lace caught on the bottom of Buckley's bouquet, resulting in the veil accidentally yanking her head back — everyone is now on high alert.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
The Heat seemed in control until Ayo Dosunmo caught fire and Miami’s offense repeatedly malfunctioned during a six-minute stretch of the fourth quarter.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Dealership technicians told Mahon that his engine had malfunctioned because of contaminated fuel and that several parts of the engine and fuel systems may have been damaged, the lawsuit stated.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
The Wild Twister previously malfunctioned another time in March 2021, leaving 14 riders stranded for six minutes, The Standard Hong Kong reported.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2026
Shortly after the launch, however, mission managers detected helium leaks in the capsule’s propulsion system, and then several thrusters malfunctioned as the spacecraft tried to dock with the space station.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026
Court records state Jenkins attempted to shoot Kimber, but the gun malfunctioned.
—CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
The agreement would also require the company to replace a grinder pump that repeatedly malfunctioned and discharged large pieces of debris into the city’s sewer system, requiring costly repairs.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
But after the first attempt malfunctioned — the lace caught on the bottom of Buckley's bouquet, resulting in the veil accidentally yanking her head back — everyone is now on high alert.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
The Heat seemed in control until Ayo Dosunmo caught fire and Miami’s offense repeatedly malfunctioned during a six-minute stretch of the fourth quarter.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Dealership technicians told Mahon that his engine had malfunctioned because of contaminated fuel and that several parts of the engine and fuel systems may have been damaged, the lawsuit stated.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
The Wild Twister previously malfunctioned another time in March 2021, leaving 14 riders stranded for six minutes, The Standard Hong Kong reported.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned
Verb
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In the aftermath of that storm, Wu’s public works department failed to get rid of the snow fast enough to unclog side streets and sidewalks, leaving pedestrians and motorists navigating a dangerous situation in Boston for days.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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The poll’s release comes just days after the California Democratic Party held its annual state convention in San Francisco last weekend where the party failed to unite behind a single candidate.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gregory even crashed the boys’ dining club to get tips on how to talk to girls in preparation.—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
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The car crashed in the 6300 block of Camp Bowie Boulevard and rolled on its side.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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