malfunctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "malfunctioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a device or system that has failed to operate properly. Example: "The printer malfunctioned during the important presentation, causing a delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was a near disaster just hours before the show began, when a sprinkler malfunctioned and soaked a large part of the red carpet where the stars were due to arrive at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Guardian - Film

When Mr O'Rourke recently demonstrated some of Microsoft's efforts in seamlessness at an event in Silicon Valley, at one point the Windows system that was projected on to the big screen displayed a message that it had malfunctioned and was shutting down.

The Economist

But the cooling systems malfunctioned in numerous reactors at the Fukushima plant.

The Economist

Although he was able to correct this, the system that runs the aerodynamic control surfaces of the craft subsequently malfunctioned.

The Economist

Machinery malfunctioned.

The Economist

Mariner 8 (launched May 8 , 1971 was intended to study Mars with Mariner 9, but its upper stage malfunctioned shortly after launch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the plane flew through a large thunderstorm, crucial instruments froze and the all-important flight director issuing orders to pilots malfunctioned, causing co-pilot Pierre-Cédric Bonin to mistakenly put it into a rapid climb.

Independent

At singer-guitarist Karima Francis's recent gig in Hoxton, east London, when Francis's guitar lead malfunctioned, the singer called out, "shall we just do this acoustic"?

Independent

The whole thing seems to have started back in February, when B944, one of the many seismometers installed in the park, malfunctioned and began sending zany data to a public viewer, or "webicorder," at the University of Utah's seismographic station, which has a following among amateur volcano buffs as well as those who are looking for signs of the coming apocalypse.

The New Yorker

Something malfunctioned.

Independent

But serious trouble arose when the equipment controlling the way the capsule was facing malfunctioned, requiring him to determine the capsule's proper attitude visually.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a malfunction, be specific about what "malfunctioned" and the resulting consequences for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "malfunctioned" when simpler terms like "failed" or "broke" are more appropriate for general audiences. Reserve it for technical contexts where precision is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "malfunctioned" is that of a verb, specifically the past tense of the verb 'malfunction'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used to describe a past event where something did not function as intended.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malfunctioned" is a grammatically sound verb form used to describe the past failure of a device or system. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in English. It's most frequently found in news and encyclopedic contexts, leaning towards a neutral or professional register. When writing, ensure you're specific about what "malfunctioned" and its consequences. Alternatives like "broke down" or "failed" can be suitable substitutes depending on the desired level of formality and the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broke down

Focuses on the cessation of function, often implying a complete failure.

stopped working

A simple and direct way to describe a failure in operation.

failed to operate

Highlights the inability of something to perform its intended function.

went wrong

A more general term indicating that something didn't proceed as expected.

developed a fault

Suggests the emergence of a specific defect that caused the issue.

became defective

Emphasizes the flawed condition of the item.

ceased to function

A more formal way to describe the termination of operation.

was out of order

Indicates a temporary state of non-functionality, often used for public equipment.

had a glitch

Suggests a minor, often temporary malfunction.

acted up

Informal way of saying that a machine or system is not functioning correctly.

FAQs

How to use "malfunctioned" in a sentence?

"Malfunctioned" is used to describe something that has failed to operate correctly. For example, "The equipment "malfunctioned" during the experiment."

What can I say instead of "malfunctioned"?

Alternatives to "malfunctioned" include "broke down", "failed to work", or "stopped working". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "malfunctioned" or "misfuntioned"?

"Malfunctioned" is the correct term. "Misfuntioned" is not a standard English word.

What's the difference between "malfunctioned" and "failed"?

"Failed" is a broader term that can apply to various situations, while "malfunctioned" specifically refers to a device or system not functioning properly due to a fault or defect.