as in down
not being in working order
a malfunctioning computer cost us days of work
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in failing
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of malfunctioning
Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem — a malfunctioning space toilet.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
The handwash sink next to the restrooms and kitchen had a malfunctioning soap dispenser.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
For the second time since launch, Orion’s toilet is malfunctioning.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Two park employees quickly arrive to scoop up the malfunctioning animatronic device and carry it away.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai.
—Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The decent from 33,000 feet would have been trickier, especially with malfunctioning instruments.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026
The receiver is not malfunctioning; it has simply been tricked.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
Critics of the chronically malfunctioning Comanche 3 called for closing it rather than spending money to fix a plant that’s expected to close at the end of 2030.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem -- a malfunctioning space toilet.
—Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem — a malfunctioning space toilet.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
The handwash sink next to the restrooms and kitchen had a malfunctioning soap dispenser.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Marty’s role is to complain anytime the temperature drops below 80, but also serves as the neighborhood’s generous handyman, known to fix a malfunctioning garage door mid-match.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
For the second time since launch, Orion’s toilet is malfunctioning.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Two park employees quickly arrive to scoop up the malfunctioning animatronic device and carry it away.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai.
—Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The decent from 33,000 feet would have been trickier, especially with malfunctioning instruments.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026
The receiver is not malfunctioning; it has simply been tricked.
—Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
Critics of the chronically malfunctioning Comanche 3 called for closing it rather than spending money to fix a plant that’s expected to close at the end of 2030.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioning
Adjective
-
Consumer staples is the only other down sector in April, lower by just 1%.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This should be a down-payment on funding for fighting addiction in Boston and beyond.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Florida Justice Association — the trial lawyer lobby — spent millions to stop the reforms Maxwell now blames for failing consumers.—
David Wilson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The 2023 jury found the Berkshire utility liable for negligently failing to shut down power lines during a powerful windstorm, contributing to four separate wildfires that caused significant property damage.—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers.—
Zaz Hollander,
Anchorage Daily News,
4 Feb. 2023
-
In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system.—
Michael Tomasky,
The New Republic,
30 Jan. 2023
Verb
-
The incident occurred in the second quarter of their Play-In Tournament game on Tuesday night, where Adebayo had to sit out the rest of the game after crashing hard to the floor following Ball’s action.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The Corvette then rolled in the air several times before crashing into the side of a Maserati dealership.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Winton, the class clown and semi-pariah who fits the stereotype of the clingy, maladjusted product of a broken home.—
Jean Garnett,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Troopers responded to the area and found broken glass from the front door of the God's Grace Missionary Baptist Church.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In my house, the kitchen fireplace is nonfunctional.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
7 Apr. 2026
-
One of the vendors whose contract with Cal OES is ending said that the agency has still not provided evidence that the existing regional Next Generation 911 system is unsafe or nonfunctional.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And there’s been plenty of media focus since then — including on inoperative toilets.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The antiskid system was inoperative, and all four main tires on the landing gear blew.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The blasts ocurred in international waters and left the pipelines inoperable.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Unfortunately for tourists looking for a place to go, the one that showed up Monday morning on the promenade in front of the Lincoln Memorial is inoperable.—
Joe Heim,
Washington Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioning. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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