malfunction
mal-FUHNGK-shuhn
Malfunction (noun) means a failure to work correctly, usually referring to equipment or a system. Example: “The plane was grounded due to a mechanical malfunction.”
noun
1
A failure to work correctly, usually referring to equipment or a system.
"The plane was grounded due to a mechanical malfunction."
verb
1
To fail to work correctly.
"The smoke alarm malfunctioned and went off in the middle of the night."
"If the sensor malfunctions, the system shuts down automatically."
How to use malfunction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed for machines, devices, or systems that stop working properly.
Common pairings
a mechanical malfunction
the equipment malfunctioned
a technical malfunction
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Word forms
- Plural
- malfunctions
- Third person singular
- malfunctions
- Past tense
- malfunctioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The plane was grounded due to a mechanical _____.
Etymology
From mal- ("bad, incorrect") plus "function."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for malfunction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for malfunction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “malfunction” mean?
The word “malfunction” means a failure to work correctly, usually referring to equipment or a system. In plain terms, used for machines, devices, or systems that stop working properly.
How do you pronounce “malfunction”?
“Malfunction” is pronounced mal-FUHNGK-shuhn (/ˌmælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “malfunction” in a sentence?
Here is “malfunction” used in a sentence: “The plane was grounded due to a mechanical malfunction.”
What part of speech is “malfunction”?
Depending on how it is used, “malfunction” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “malfunction” a common word?
“Malfunction” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “malfunction” have?
“Malfunction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a failure to work correctly, usually referring to equipment or a system.
