English Dictionary

Definition of “malfunction

malfunction (mælˈfʌŋkʃənPronunciation for malfunction

Definitions

verb

  1. (intr) to function imperfectly or irregularly or fail to function

noun

  1. failure to function or defective functioning

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= break down, fail, go wrong, play up, stop working be defective conk out, develop a fault crash,

Usage examples

  • We also have television cameras up there, so we can see what's above us, and they might malfunction.
    Davis, John Gordon, Seize the Reckless Wind (1985)
  • If this system should malfunction , it will switch to a less precise back-up orientation mechanism.
    New Scientist (2003)
  • SHARES in bionic ear maker Cochlear surged yesterday after a US competitor recalled some of its products because they might malfunction.
    Courier, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • HOSPITAL bosses yesterday denied the Millennium Bug caused five kidney dialysis machines to malfunction.
    Sun, News of the World (2000)
  • The reactor shut itself down automatically, as it was designed to do when a malfunction like that occurred.
    Paul Martin, COUNTING SHEEP: The Science and Pleasures of Sleep and Dreams (2002)

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