it is malfunctioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is malfunctioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a device, system, or process that is not functioning as intended. Example: "The printer is not responding to any commands; it is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If an artificial device sophisticated enough to hold a discussion with a person insists that it is conscious like a human then, says Aleksander, it is malfunctioning.

The Guardian

The Neptune fountain, on the Promenade, is cracked and faulty pipes mean it is malfunctioning.

BBC

For example, Joe's pineal gland could have the function to secrete melatonin even if it cannot secrete melatonin because it is malfunctioning.

SEP

THERE are three reasons to replace a kitchen or bathroom faucet: if it is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired, if the finish is worn and pitted or if you want to replace an old one with one that is more stylish.

The New York Times

We also propose how to detect when a specific resource is congested (or whether it is malfunctioning), and what resources must be upgraded to attend to a certain service traffic mix.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the government's version, the students left the bus station with three more buses, beyond their initial two, but then quickly abandoned and "destroyed" one just outside the station because it was malfunctioning.

The New Yorker

In the early moments of the disaster, a fire chief who didn't know how to activate the device decided — mistakenly — that it was malfunctioning, a decision that may have cost some rescue workers their lives.

The New Yorker

Swiftmile's system not only charges the scooters, it also can provide scooter companies with diagnostics and keep the device locked in the dock if it's malfunctioning.

TechCrunch

"But if a cell is malfunctioning it produces dissonance.

BBC

This makes it possible to block e-mail messages while making it appear as if Gmail is malfunctioning.

MIT Technology Review

He argues that a token component in a system is malfunctioning when it cannot play the role that lets other tokens of the same type feature in the explanation of the larger system.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex system's failure, use "it is malfunctioning" to indicate a problem within the system's design or components, rather than a simple lack of power or user error.

Common error

Avoid using "it is malfunctioning" to describe people or animals; instead, use terms like "ill", "unwell", or "not feeling well" to indicate a health problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is malfunctioning" serves as a declarative statement indicating that a particular object or system is not performing its intended function. Ludwig AI confirms this usage and offers similar examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is malfunctioning" effectively communicates that something isn't working as intended. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It has a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to technical manuals. While simpler alternatives like "it is broken" exist, "it is malfunctioning" is more precise in implying a functional problem rather than physical damage. As shown by Ludwig, this term frequently appears in News & Media, Science and Wiki to describe a range of non-operational systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not working properly

This alternative uses broader language to describe the malfunction, focusing on the improper function rather than specifying a defect.

it isn't operating correctly

Similar to "it is not working properly", but emphasizes the lack of correct operation.

it is not functioning

A formal and direct way of stating that something is not working.

it is out of order

This phrase suggests a temporary state of non-functionality, often used for public devices or systems.

it is broken

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying something is not functioning because it is damaged.

it is defective

This suggests that there is a flaw or imperfection causing the malfunction.

it is failing

This implies a gradual decline in functionality, leading to eventual failure.

it is acting up

This informal phrase suggests erratic or unpredictable behavior.

it has a problem

A general way to indicate that something is wrong without specifying the nature of the issue.

it is on the blink

An idiomatic expression indicating intermittent or unreliable operation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is malfunctioning"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not working properly", "it is out of order", or "it is broken" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is malfunctioning"?

The phrase "it is malfunctioning" is suitable when describing a device, system, or process that is not functioning as intended. This phrase is used when something does not perform its ordinary function.

What is the difference between "it is malfunctioning" and "it is broken"?

"It is broken" generally suggests physical damage rendering something unusable. "It is malfunctioning" suggests something isn't working correctly but isn't necessarily physically broken. A device could be "malfunctioning" due to a software bug, whereas broken generally means hardware damage.

Is "it is malfunctioning" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is malfunctioning" is considered relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the audience and situation. However, it leans slightly towards the formal side.