likelihood of malfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likelihood of malfunction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance that a system, device, or component will fail or not operate as intended. Example: "The likelihood of malfunction increases significantly if the equipment is not properly maintained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When Apple changes the Home button, it should reduce the likelihood of malfunction.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This technology is similar to flash memory in that it has no moving parts, which reduces the likelihood of mechanical malfunction.

TechCrunch

A malalignment of the knee prosthesis not only increases the likelihood of postoperative malfunction, but also affects the lifespan of the prosthesis (Sorrells et al. 2007).

Acta Orthopaedica

Unlike medicines or vaccines the product is not ingested and the risk of causing harm is related to the performance of the device and likelihood of a malfunction and the consequences of obtaining an incorrect test result.

BMC Health Services Research

What it doesn't cite is the high likelihood of fatality if any error or malfunction occurs.

The New York Times

Even so, the issue of confounding by indication may blur our estimated risk, as RA patients with a moderate or high level of comorbidity may have a lower likelihood of being offered revision of a malfunctioning prosthesis compared to OA patients due to the anticipated higher operative risk.

Acta Orthopaedica

One of these shows signs of malfunction.

The Guardian

Allegations of malfunction, manipulation and disenfranchisement require confirmation or refutation.

The New York Times

Misrepresentation is simply a species of malfunction.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Perhaps it was some kind of malfunction.

Forbes

But where is an account of malfunction to be found?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical systems, quantify the "likelihood of malfunction" with specific probabilities or percentages to provide a clearer understanding of the risk involved.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "likelihood of malfunction" without supporting evidence. Overly alarming language can undermine credibility and cause unnecessary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likelihood of malfunction" functions as a noun phrase indicating the probability or possibility that something will fail to operate correctly. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from technology to medical devices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likelihood of malfunction" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the probability that a system or device will fail. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase is used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. The phrase conveys the risk associated with potential failures, aiding in decision-making regarding safety and maintenance. As Ludwig AI shows, it is crucial to quantify this likelihood with specific probabilities whenever possible. While commonly used, it's important to avoid exaggerating the risk without proper evidence. Alternatives like "probability of failure" and "risk of breakdown" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probability of failure

Emphasizes the statistical chance of failure.

risk of breakdown

Highlights the potential negative consequences of a malfunction.

chance of failure

A more general term for the possibility of something not working correctly.

potential for malfunction

Focuses on the inherent possibility of a malfunction existing.

susceptibility to failure

Indicates vulnerability to malfunction.

proneness to failure

Suggests a natural tendency to malfunction.

vulnerability to breakdown

Highlights a weakness that could lead to malfunction.

failure rate

Expresses the frequency of malfunctions over time.

incidence of malfunction

Focuses on the occurrence of malfunctions.

possibility of defect

Emphasizes the chance of a flaw or imperfection causing malfunction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "likelihood of malfunction"?

You can use alternatives such as "probability of failure", "risk of breakdown", or "chance of failure" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "likelihood of a malfunction" or "likelihood of malfunction"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "likelihood of malfunction" is generally preferred because it's more concise and sounds more natural. Adding the article "a" doesn't significantly alter the meaning.

What factors influence the "likelihood of malfunction" in electronic devices?

Factors influencing the "likelihood of malfunction" include design flaws, manufacturing defects, environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), wear and tear, and improper usage.

How is the "likelihood of malfunction" assessed in safety-critical systems?

The "likelihood of malfunction" is assessed through rigorous testing, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), fault tree analysis (FTA), and reliability engineering techniques to identify potential failure points and mitigate risks.