malfunction

verb

Definition of malfunctionnext
as in to fail
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 malfunction Merritt Wever does typically excellent work as a harried producer and malfunctioning moral compass on To Catch a Predator. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 But during his rendition on Saturday, with a sell-out crowd at Chase Field to celebrate and watch the D-Backs face off against the Yankees, McGuire’s trumpet began to malfunction. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026 In August, a crane malfunctioned and fell onto a rooftop pool deck at One Plaza West Brickell. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 Another recall involves certain Transit vans where the wireless seat belt reminder system may malfunction. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
  1. fail
  2. crash
Verb
  • The three-stage rocket failed during its debut mission in October 2021 but is now riding a streak of four straight successes.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The financial troubles are especially concerning because the Los Angeles Unified School District has failed to meet past budget reduction targets, the report concluded, and the stakes have become higher, with solutions more painful to carry out.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of fail
Verb
  • In hazy images, friends gather around homemade sound systems or crash out in the aftermath of warehouse parties.
    — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators obtained dash camera footage that showed Whittmore crossing into the opposite lane of traffic in the same area a day earlier in an apparent attempt to crash head-on into a garbage truck, the Sheriff’s Office statement said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of crash

Browse Nearby Words

malformed
malfunction
malfunctioned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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