malfunction out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "malfunction out" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when to use it, as it lacks context and proper grammatical structure. Example: "The device will malfunction out if not properly maintained." (Note: this is an incorrect usage.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If any confirmation were required of Madonna's sustained cultural relevance, it was surely provided by a mere wardrobe malfunction out-shining the combined micro-celebrity wattage of the entire Brit Awards line-up.

Independent

The Obama administration said the government had nothing to do with the Web site's apparent malfunction, pointing out that WikiLeaks had experienced technical problems before.

The New York Times

Complementing a 96-mile-an-hour fastball with a sharp slider and a slow curve, Jimenez allowed only one hit through the first six and a third innings, his groove interrupted — then restored — by a 14-minute delay caused when a computer malfunction knocked out the lights in the top of the second inning.

The New York Times - Sports

Try to describe any trouble you were having locking or unlocking your safe if the problem is a malfunction lock-out, as opposed to a simple lost combination.

WikiHow

The negatives were certainly more obvious; 26 handling errors, a malfunctioning line-out and the unfortunate habit of doing all the hard work in defence, only for it to be undone with four "soft" tries.

BBC

Overall, there was a trend towards increased adverse events in patients who experienced a malfunction (97 out of 155 vs 452 out of 825 patients; χ-test; P=0.0729).

British Journal of Cancer

After the electrical malfunction was sorted out, every 49ers drive looked as if it would end in a score.

Independent

The malfunction also knocked out the system by which law enforcement officials around the country use fingerprints to access criminal records, Mr. Fischer said.

The New York Times

The incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia was significantly higher in patients experiencing a malfunction (83 out of 155 (53.5%) vs 328 out of 825 (39.8%) patients, respectively; P=0.0009).

British Journal of Cancer

Dementia can foster a kind of kaleidoscope of the past, the malfunctioning memory throwing out darting and colourful scraps of recollection.

Independent

The constructivist view is that the class of what we call malfunctions is picked out by its involvement in medical practice, and not the other way round.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a device or system that isn't working, opt for clearer and more widely accepted phrases such as "break down" or "fail to operate" instead of the ambiguous "malfunction out".

Common error

Do not attempt to create new phrasal verbs using "malfunction" when simpler alternatives like "malfunction" or "break down" are more effective and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "malfunction out" does not have a defined grammatical function in standard English. It does not adhere to conventional verb-particle constructions or other established patterns. As stated in Ludwig AI, it is not considered correct and does not convey a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "malfunction out" is not recognized as grammatically correct in standard English. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this phrase lacks clear meaning and should be avoided in formal and informal contexts. Instead, consider using clearer and more established alternatives such as "break down", "fail to operate", or simply "malfunction". These alternatives are more effective in conveying the intended meaning of a device or system not functioning correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malfunction

A single-word alternative emphasizing the faulty or impaired operation.

break down

Focuses on the cessation of function, suggesting a complete failure.

stop working

Simple and direct, indicating the termination of functionality.

cease to function

Highlights the termination of operational capability.

fail to operate

Emphasizes the inability to perform the intended actions.

go wrong

Indicates an error or problem occurring during an operation.

develop a fault

Suggests the emergence of a defect or malfunction over time.

experience a failure

Highlights the occurrence of a breakdown or non-performance.

suffer a breakdown

Emphasizes the experience of a sudden and complete failure.

become defective

Highlights a state of being impaired or flawed in its operation.

FAQs

How can I describe something that isn't working correctly?

Instead of using "malfunction out", consider using alternatives such as "break down", "fail to operate", or simply "malfunction".

Is "malfunction out" grammatically correct?

The phrase "malfunction out" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is better to use "malfunction" as a verb or other more common phrases to describe something not working.

What does it mean when a device malfunctions?

When a device malfunctions, it means that it is not functioning correctly or as intended. Common alternatives include "breaks down" or "ceases to function".

What are some professional ways to describe a system failure?

In professional contexts, instead of "malfunction out", you might use more formal terms such as "system failure", "operational fault", or "equipment breakdown".