malfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "malfunction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a failure or breakdown of a machine, usually due to error or improper functioning. For example: "The printer suddenly malfunctioned and stopped working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the energy supply to the heart is impaired, it struggles to pump blood to all the organs, and then these malfunction.

The Guardian

He's watched the seasonal process unfold every year: the ramp-up in promotional hijab campaigns and pointed televised debates as the weather starts to warm and wardrobe begins to malfunction.

The Guardian

Our individual stories can take unpleasant turns when our genes malfunction as a result of mutations that cause hereditary diseases or cancers.

The Guardian

After the Daily Mail claimed she had "made a bit of a boob of herself" with a Glastonbury "wardrobe malfunction", the singer got her own back by writing a song mocking the paper.

The Guardian

What is happening?" C) "Sister malfunction, pissing up here much?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Safe failure may mean building self-regulating systems that can isolate a malfunction and prevent cascading disruptions and eventual collapse, while avoiding over-reliance on a single piece of protective infrastructure, such as a levee.

The Guardian

A) "System malfunction, motor casing interference.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The fact that Mr Davis now faces people like Arnold Schwarzenegger trying to force their way into the governor's mansion has less to do with institutional malfunction (of any sort) than with Mr Davis's own style of governing.

The Economist

And they can malfunction, so they have be fitted with alarms and monitored continuously.

The Economist

The spooky theory was based on a few thin reeds of evidence, including the malfunction of some machines in close races and the fact that the CEO of Diebold Inc, an electronic-machine maker, supported George Bush.

The Economist

The process began to malfunction only relatively recently.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reason for a "malfunction", be specific. For example, instead of saying 'the system malfunctioned', specify 'the system malfunctioned due to a software bug'.

Common error

While "malfunction" is versatile, avoid using it as a catch-all term. When possible, specify the type of failure. Instead of saying 'the device malfunctioned', be more precise: 'the device's display malfunctioned'.

Linguistic Context

The term "malfunction" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a fault or failure in a machine or system. As a verb, it describes the act of failing to function correctly. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malfunction" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb, used to describe a state of impaired or incorrect functionality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for written English. It is most commonly used in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using "malfunction", it is important to be specific about the cause or nature of the failure. While widely understood, avoid overuse as a general term and specify the type of failure when possible. Alternatives include "break down" and "fail to operate". The most authoritative sources for its use include The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break down

Emphasizes the cessation of function, often abruptly.

fail to operate

A more formal way to express the inability to function.

cease to function

Highlights the termination of operational capability.

go wrong

A more general term indicating a problem or error.

develop a fault

Indicates the emergence of an imperfection leading to failure.

act up

Suggests intermittent or unpredictable operational issues.

become defective

Focuses on the inherent flaws causing the failure.

suffer a failure

Highlights the experience of undergoing a breakdown.

stop working

A straightforward and direct way to describe functional cessation.

experience difficulties

A softer way to suggest problems with the proper functionality.

FAQs

How to use "malfunction" in a sentence?

"Malfunction" can be used as a noun (e.g., 'The equipment experienced a malfunction') or a verb (e.g., 'The device malfunctioned during the test').

What can I say instead of "malfunction"?

You can use alternatives like "break down", "fail to operate", or "cease to function" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "malfunction" or "misfunction"?

"Malfunction" is the standard and widely accepted term. "Misfunction" is a less common synonym, but "malfunction" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "malfunction" and "failure"?

"Malfunction" implies improper or abnormal functioning, while "failure" is a more general term for not working or succeeding.