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
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Recent Examples of malfunction
Given that most brain disorders, including degenerative and psychiatric conditions, involve some form of malfunctioning synapses, this has potentially important implications for human health and society.
—
Takaki Komiyama, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
Wyatt drove the fire truck, Truck 111, to the city garage just before 8:30 a.m., but a worker wasn’t able to fix the malfunctioning wipers.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025
If her day weren’t bad enough, the cops have been constantly calling McKay, who disabled her malfunctioning ankle monitor with an IO drill during the chaos of the PittFest trauma.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Choppy text — a mix of computer code and poetry — runs across the malfunctioning images.
—Nicole Acheampong, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Takaki Komiyama, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
Wyatt drove the fire truck, Truck 111, to the city garage just before 8:30 a.m., but a worker wasn’t able to fix the malfunctioning wipers.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025
If her day weren’t bad enough, the cops have been constantly calling McKay, who disabled her malfunctioning ankle monitor with an IO drill during the chaos of the PittFest trauma.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Choppy text — a mix of computer code and poetry — runs across the malfunctioning images.
—Nicole Acheampong, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for malfunction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction
Verb
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As well as failing to clinch the league title, Inter lost to bitter rival AC Milan in January’s Italian Super Cup and again to Milan in April’s Italian Cup semifinals.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
30 May 2025
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However, the president fumed at foreign leaders on Friday for failing to uphold their end of the deal.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The stock market crashed upon Trump’s announcement, with the S&P falling nearly 5% the next day and the Nasdaq down nearly 6%.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
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The teen crashed the car two minutes later, colliding into another vehicle at Folsom Boulevard and Manlove Avenue, before the driver surrendered to deputies, sheriff’s officials said.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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