Synonyms of malfunctioning

malfunctioning 1 of 2

adjective

as in down

not being in working order

a malfunctioning computer cost us days of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

• down
• nonfunctioning
• broken
• nonfunctional
• inoperative
• inoperable
• out of commission
• off
• haywire
• nonoperating
• useless
• on the fritz
• kaput
• on the blink
• unusable
• ineffective
• deactivated
• unworkable
• ineffectual
• unproductive
• deadlocked
• nonproductive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• operating
• functioning
• operational
• functional
• operative
• working
• running
• effective
• useful
• operable
• producing
• viable
• operant
• usable
• productive
• serving
• workable
• effectual
• performing
• employable

malfunctioning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of malfunction

as in failing

to fail to function or work properly

A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

Related Words

• failing
• crashing
• dying
• stalling
• acting up
• cutting out
• sputtering
• breaking down
• giving out
• wheezing
• breaking
• jamming
• fizzling
• conking (out)

Dissimilar Words

• starting (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malfunctioning

Adjective

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into the owner of a malfunctioning chemical storage tank in Garden Grove that has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents as fire crews race to avoid an explosion. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 24 May 2026

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

Verb

The director, recently freed from a malfunctioning elevator in a pithily Andersonian incident, made a brief appearance onstage with Murray. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

On June 30, Williams and Meir ventured into the void to replace a wrist joint on the space station's Canadarm2 robotic arm that had been malfunctioning. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 July 2026

Additionally, 2025 to 2026 Ford Mustang GTD and 2024 to 2026 Ford Mustangs are being recalled due to malfunctioning windshield wipers and washing systems. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 July 2026

But it has been closed since 2024 for a massive project to replace its malfunctioning retractable roof with a permanent structure, scheduled to be completed in 2028. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Water leaks often occur when condensate drain lines become clogged or when components inside the system are malfunctioning. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 29 June 2026

Others feature malfunctioning elevators, parades of rats or still use air circulation systems from World War II. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 26 June 2026

Catherine Lane/Getty Images Few household problems create more frustrations or more sticker shock than a malfunctioning air conditioner. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Last week, Wallen earned plenty of attention after flipping over a malfunctioning piano. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026