it has malfunctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has malfunctioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where a device or system is not functioning as intended. Example: "The machine has been making strange noises, and it has malfunctioned during the last operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It has malfunctioned several times, but with no reported injuries.

The New York Times - Arts

Sitting on a balcony overlooking Wimbledon's sunbathed grounds, the championships' chief court coverer glares at his walkie-talkie as if it has malfunctioned.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It had malfunctioned at least once since its reactivation and made an emergency landing for repairs last month.

The Washington Post

She told the judge that the light had been green, not red; she said perhaps it had malfunctioned.

The Washington Post

It showed that for a four-year period between 2007 and 2010, no device had been replaced at University Medical Center because it had been recalled or because it had malfunctioned.

The New York Times

Nearby stood Gaurav, who said his frustration had grown so intense that whenever he overheard pro-Congress talk from passengers, he stopped his vehicle and told them it had malfunctioned.

The New York Times

US officials have acknowledged the loss of the unmanned plane, saying it had malfunctioned.

BBC

It's been 35 years since an American nuclear plant has malfunctioned.

Vice

It's either: we don't question your norms, but your system has malfunctioned.

The Guardian

The government has malfunctioned.

The Guardian

We've resigned ourselves to the possibility that his collar has malfunctioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has malfunctioned", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject, especially in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it has malfunctioned" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "it broke" or "it stopped working" are more appropriate. The phrase is generally best suited for technical or formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has malfunctioned" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a specific entity or system has ceased to function correctly. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has malfunctioned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that something is not functioning correctly, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily employed in news, scientific, and technical contexts, it serves to report a failure or operational issue. For more casual settings, alternatives like "it broke down" may be preferable. When using the phrase, ensure that the "it" is clearly defined to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it broke down

This alternative describes a complete cessation of function.

it stopped working

A simple way to state that functionality has ceased.

it is out of order

Suggests temporary unavailability or a need for repair.

it failed

This is a more general term for not performing as expected.

it isn't functioning properly

Focuses on the substandard quality of the operation.

it has a defect

Points to an inherent flaw causing the problem.

it is defective

This is a more general term for not performing as expected.

it went wrong

Indicates an unexpected deviation from the correct state.

it is acting up

This describes sporadic or unpredictable malfunctioning.

it is haywire

Implies chaotic or erratic malfunctioning.

FAQs

What does "it has malfunctioned" mean?

The phrase "it has malfunctioned" means that something, usually a device or system, is not working correctly or has failed to perform its intended function.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it has malfunctioned"?

It's most appropriate to use "it has malfunctioned" in technical, formal, or professional contexts when describing equipment, systems, or devices that are not functioning as expected. Consider simpler terms like "it broke down" or "it stopped working" in casual settings.

Are there synonyms for "it has malfunctioned"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "it failed", "it is out of order", or "it isn't functioning properly" depending on the context.

Is "it has malfunctioned" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it has malfunctioned" is grammatically correct. The sentence structure is proper, and the verb tense is appropriate for indicating a past event that affects the present.