malfunction

Language: en

🇺🇸 /mæˈlfʌŋkʃən/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A failure to function normally or as intended; a breakdown or defect in the operation of a machine, system, or device.; An instance of something not working properly, especially in a mechanical or electronic context.
  2. verb
    To fail to function normally or as intended; to operate incorrectly or break down.; To perform in an unexpected or erroneous manner, especially of a device or mechanism.
  3. noun
    A failure or defect in a biological process or bodily function.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: malfunctions 3rd sing.: malfunctions Past: malfunctioned Past part.: malfunctioned Pres part.: malfunctioning

Collocations

technical malfunctionmechanical malfunctionsystem malfunctionequipment malfunctionmalfunction inmalfunction of

Derivatives

malfunctioningmalfunctional

Synonyms

breakdownfailurefaultdefectglitcherror

Commonly confused

dysfunction
EN: 'Dysfunction' refers to abnormal or impaired functioning, especially in biological, social, or organizational contexts; 'malfunction' refers more specifically to a mechanical or technical failure to operate correctly.
misfunction
EN: 'Misfunction' is not a standard English word; the correct form is 'malfunction' using the Latin prefix 'mal-' (bad).

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the prefix is 'mal-' (from Latin 'malus' meaning bad), not 'mis-' or 'non-'. The correct spelling is 'malfunction,' not 'misfunction.'

💬 Examples

  1. The spacecraft was lost due to a malfunction in its guidance system.

  2. A malfunction in the braking system caused the accident.

  3. The engine began to malfunction after only a few hundred miles of driving.

  4. The software malfunctioned and deleted all the user's files.

  5. The doctor diagnosed a malfunction of the thyroid gland.