malfunctioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "malfunctioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not working properly or is broken. Example: "The malfunctioning printer caused delays in the office as we waited for it to be repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police said on Friday that the men told investigators they were forced to live in the garage, which had one chair, no bed and a possibly malfunctioning air conditioner, so their captor could cash their public assistance checks.

The Guardian

Grumpy nurses and teachers create an impression that the services they work in are malfunctioning.

The Economist

GM believes the Volt's battery problem was caused by malfunctioning sensors rather than chemical reactions going haywire within the cells themselves.

The Economist

According to pessimistic analysts, Gazprom belongs more in this gallery of malfunctioning gigantism than among blue-chip global companies.

The Economist

It probably doesn't help that the soundtrack is malfunctioning.

The Economist

It has been malfunctioning much as usual on the mere wreckage of one since March 23rd, when President Boris Yeltsin sacked his prime minister, Viktor Chernomyrdin, and the cabinet with him.

The Economist

The combination of malfunctioning domestic finance, weak regulation and erratic economic policy is perfectly designed to get the worst out of financial openness.

The Economist

Pressure is also building up within the reactor, but the release valve is malfunctioning, he said.

The Economist

Virtually every arm of the state, from schools to tax-collection agencies, is malfunctioning.

The Economist

This year they have obliged, with a steady supply of big-screen explosions, malfunctioning submarines and scenes where men cradle oversized guns ("The Sum of All Fears", "The Bourne Identity", "K-19 The Widowmaker").

The Economist

And he complained that their issued AK-47s were malfunctioning Czech imitations and his men had to rely on locals for food and shelter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "malfunctioning" to describe a state where something is not working as it should, implying a deviation from its intended function.

Common error

While "malfunctioning" is appropriate in formal and technical settings, consider simpler alternatives like "broken" or "not working" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The term "malfunctioning" functions as a verb (present participle) or an adjective, typically describing a noun that is not operating correctly. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in sentences describing failures or deviations from intended functions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malfunctioning" is a versatile term used to describe something that isn't working as intended, ranging from a simple appliance to complex systems. Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent use across various domains. It's most commonly found in formal and technical settings like news reports and scientific papers. When writing, consider the context and choose simpler terms like "broken" or "not working" for informal communications. The word serves to clearly convey a state of operational failure or irregularity, ensuring clarity in technical and formal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not working

Simplifies the concept to basic operability.

out of order

Indicates a temporary or permanent cessation of function.

not functioning properly

Emphasizes the substandard level of operation.

defective

Highlights a flaw or imperfection causing the malfunction.

faulty

Suggests an inherent problem or flaw in design or construction.

broken

A more direct term implying a complete loss of functionality.

malfunctioning

The noun form of "malfunctioning", indicating a specific failure.

non-operational

A more formal way to say something is not working.

inoperative

Suggests that something isn't currently or permanently able to work.

kaput

Informal term for broken or not functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "malfunctioning" in a sentence?

You can use "malfunctioning" to describe something that isn't working correctly. For example: "The "malfunctioning" equipment caused a delay".

What's a simple substitute for "malfunctioning"?

Alternatives include "not working", "out of order", or "broken". The best choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "malfunctioning"?

"Malfunctioning" is suitable for formal or technical contexts where precision is important. For casual conversation, simpler terms might be preferable.

Is "malfunctioning" a formal word?

Yes, "malfunctioning" is generally considered a more formal and technical term than alternatives like "broken" or "not working".