computer malfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "computer malfunction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a failure or problem occurring in a computer system or device. Example: "The project was delayed due to a computer malfunction that caused data loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It was definitely not a computer malfunction," Mr. Miramontez said.

The New York Times

December 2005 — Therapist Overrides a Computer Malfunction A patient undergoing I.M.R.T. for prostate cancer was irradiated incorrectly after a therapist overrode a computer malfunction.

The New York Times

Elections workers in some counties had trouble confirming voter information because of a computer malfunction.

The New York Times

In the previous tax year, it turned away 250,000 customers when a computer malfunction prevented employees from preparing returns.

The New York Times - Tech

Russian aerospace engineers had said there was only a slim chance that the same computer malfunction would occur this time.

The New York Times

NYSE Euronext halted trading in 242 companies for more than 40 minutes because of a computer malfunction.

The New York Times

The company turned away 250,000 customers when a computer malfunction in early January prevented employees from preparing returns.

The New York Times

The computer malfunction was eventually traced to a loose wire in the main computer, Mr. Coleman said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

To illustrate the point, consider an ordinary computer programmed to compute function f on input i. Suppose that the computer malfunctions and produces an output different from f(i).

SEP

But with prepaid MetroCards, and inevitable computer malfunctions, might new definitions be in order?

The New York Times

Most of the mini crashes were blamed on computer malfunctions or human error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "computer malfunction", be specific about the symptoms or consequences of the malfunction. Instead of saying 'there was a computer malfunction', specify 'a computer malfunction caused a loss of data' or 'a computer malfunction led to the system crashing'.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a "computer malfunction" occurred without providing context or details. Explain the impact or specific issue caused by the malfunction to give the reader a clearer understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "computer malfunction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of impaired or incorrect operation of a computer, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "computer malfunction" is a common and correct term used to describe a failure or error in a computer system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's best practice to provide specific details about the nature and impact of the malfunction to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "system error" or "technical fault" can be used, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system error

Focuses on the broader system failure rather than specifically the computer.

technical fault

A more general term that can apply to various technological failures, including computers.

hardware failure

Specifically refers to a failure in the physical components of the computer.

software bug

Pinpoints the problem to an error in the computer's software.

program crash

Describes a sudden and unexpected termination of a software program.

system crash

Describes a complete failure of the operating system, halting all operations.

device failure

A broader term for any device, including a computer, ceasing to function correctly.

operational error

A more formal way of describing a failure in the computer's operation.

glitch

An informal term for a minor malfunction or error.

technical issue

A very general term indicating a problem with technology.

FAQs

What are some common causes of a "computer malfunction"?

Common causes include hardware failures, software bugs, viruses, overheating, and power surges. Identifying the cause helps in troubleshooting and preventing future occurrences.

How do I report a "computer malfunction" in a professional setting?

Clearly document the issue, including when it occurred, what you were doing, and any error messages. Report it to your IT support team or the relevant department following your company's procedures.

What can I say instead of "computer malfunction"?

You can use alternatives like "system error", "technical fault", or "hardware failure" depending on the specific issue.

What's the difference between "computer malfunction" and "system crash"?

A "computer malfunction" is a general term for any failure in a computer system, while a "system crash" refers specifically to a situation where the operating system stops working, often requiring a restart.