equipment malfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equipment malfunction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in technical or industrial contexts to describe a problem or issue with a piece of equipment or machinery. Example: The production line was halted due to an equipment malfunction, which caused a delay in delivery for our customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes it's an equipment malfunction, not a human one.

The New York Times

The plant had been shut down owing to an equipment malfunction.

The New Yorker

Requa said Wednesday that there was no operator error or equipment malfunction involved.

The Washington Post

They warn of equipment malfunction, unchecked tampering and the lack of secure proof for each vote.

The New York Times - Tech

Pinto, dealing with an equipment malfunction, had landed after just 40 miles.

The New York Times - Sports

Equipment malfunction was not suspected as having played a role, he added.

The New York Times

For this purpose, equipment malfunction or failure should be considered in unit commitment.

Applied Soft Computing

In fact, we have not received any reports of equipment malfunction since this technology was put into place in 2002.

The New York Times

In May of 2011, the elevator in my building suffered an equipment malfunction en route to my penthouse.

The New Yorker

Because of an equipment malfunction, images with the art reviews last Sunday were printed with color portions omitted.

The New York Times

4. In May of 2011, the elevator in my building suffered an equipment malfunction en route to my penthouse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equipment malfunction", clearly specify the affected equipment to avoid ambiguity. For instance, state "the conveyor belt experienced an equipment malfunction" rather than just "there was an equipment malfunction".

Common error

Avoid using overly technical jargon or vague language when describing the "equipment malfunction". Instead of saying "the device experienced a parametric anomaly", provide a clear and simple explanation like "the machine stopped working due to a power surge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equipment malfunction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or cause. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equipment malfunction" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a problem or failure with machinery or systems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific domains. It's crucial to specify the affected equipment to avoid ambiguity and to use clear, simple explanations when describing the issue. While alternatives like "equipment failure" or "mechanical fault" exist, "equipment malfunction" remains a widely accepted and understood term for reporting and explaining technical problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipment failure

Indicates a cessation of proper functioning; broader in scope than malfunction.

equipment breakdown

Suggests a more severe cessation of function, implying damage or stoppage.

system failure

Broader term referring to the failure of a complete system rather than a single piece of equipment.

mechanical fault

Specifically refers to a defect in the mechanical components of the equipment.

technical issue

A more general term that can encompass various problems, including software or user-related issues.

operational error

Highlights errors during operation, which might not always be due to the equipment itself.

component defect

Focuses on a specific defective part within the equipment.

process disruption

Refers to the interruption of a process, which could be caused by various factors besides equipment.

machine error

Implies the machine made a mistake during an automated process. It's similar to operational error.

hardware problem

Specifies that the problem lies with the physical hardware of the equipment.

FAQs

How can I use "equipment malfunction" in a sentence?

You can use "equipment malfunction" to describe a situation where a piece of equipment isn't working correctly. For example, "The delay was caused by an "equipment malfunction" in the assembly line".

What are some alternatives to "equipment malfunction"?

Alternatives include "equipment failure", "equipment breakdown", or "mechanical fault", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an equipment malfunction" or "a equipment malfunction"?

The correct usage is "an "equipment malfunction"" because "equipment" starts with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "equipment malfunction" and "human error"?

"Equipment malfunction" refers to a problem with the machine itself, while "human error" indicates that the issue was caused by a mistake made by a person operating the equipment.