malfunctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'malfunctions' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not working correctly, either due to a defect or because it was not installed correctly. For example: "The new printer was installed incorrectly, and it has been malfunctioning since."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resulting images of serial wardrobe malfunctions are more than enough to get every hot-blooded teenager to the place.

The Economist

And it is not necessarily minor cognitive malfunctions that affect rough sleepers: 16% of those with whom St Mungo's comes into contact have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, whereas among the general population the figure is 1%.

The Economist

Even minor malfunctions can be complicated; the idea of trying to handle a serious emergency from a room thousands of miles away is about the scariest thing I can imagine.But Mr Smith, perhaps because he's a pilot, misses another factor that makes remotely-piloted or unpiloted passenger planes unlikely in the near future: fear.

The Economist

If buggy code causes a pump to interpret a single keystroke multiple times, for example, it could deliver an overdose.In addition to accidental malfunctions, wireless and networked medical devices are also vulnerable to attacks by malicious hackers.

The Economist

And allergies, too, are caused by immunological malfunctions.

The Economist

This year, however, Deutsche Bahn caught flak at home for some dangerous air-conditioning malfunctions.

The Economist

According to the Pentagon, what caused the malfunctions in June 1980 was a failed 46¢ micro-electronic integrated circuit ("chip") and "faulty message design".

The Economist

A PRESIDENTIAL election in the Philippines on Monday May 10th is under threat because of malfunctions of new computerised voting machines.

The Economist

And in 2008 Dr Fu and his colleagues published a paper detailing the remote, wireless reprogramming of an implantable defibrillator.When software in a medical device malfunctions, the consequences can be far more serious than just having to reboot your PC.

The Economist

In May 2010, computer malfunctions were blamed for the "flash crash" when a flurry of stocks plunged to $1 or less and the Dow Jones industrial average plummeted more than 700 points in a matter of minutes.

The New York Times

This usually involves too many toasts with shots of bai jiu, a potent liquor.Ms Bush is just one of many who noticed the glaring malfunctions in China's capital markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cause of "malfunctions", be specific. For example, instead of saying 'The system had malfunctions', specify 'The system had malfunctions due to a software bug'.

Common error

Avoid using "malfunctions" as a generic term for problems. Provide details about what specific aspects are malfunctioning and the impact of these issues.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "malfunctions" is as a noun, referring to instances of something failing to operate correctly. Ludwig shows examples where it describes problems in machinery, computer systems, and even biological processes, reflecting its use in diverse contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the word is appropriate and usable in formal and informal language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malfunctions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun to describe instances of something not working correctly. Ludwig provides numerous examples spanning news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature, showcasing its broad applicability. While the term is generally neutral in register, it's important to provide specific context regarding the nature and cause of the issues to avoid vagueness. As Ludwig AI confirms, "malfunctions" is a reliable and versatile word for describing a range of failures and defects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operational failures

Emphasizes the failure of a system or process to operate correctly.

technical glitches

Focuses on minor, often temporary, faults in equipment or systems.

system errors

Highlights errors occurring within a system, often implying a software or programming issue.

equipment breakdowns

Specifically refers to the failure of physical equipment or machinery.

mechanical defects

Points to flaws in the design or construction of a mechanical device.

performance issues

Broadly describes problems related to how something functions or operates.

operational irregularities

Indicates deviations from expected or normal operational procedures.

system anomalies

Highlights unusual or unexpected behavior within a system.

faulty operations

Focuses on the incorrect or flawed execution of processes or tasks.

functional impairments

Describes a reduction in the ability of something to perform its intended function.

FAQs

How can I use "malfunctions" in a sentence?

You can use "malfunctions" to describe issues in systems or devices. For instance, "The machine experienced several "operational failures"" or "The software has "system errors" that need fixing."

What are some alternatives to the word "malfunctions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "breakdowns", "errors", "faults", or "glitches".

What causes "malfunctions" in electronic devices?

"Malfunctions" in electronic devices can stem from various factors, including software bugs, hardware failures, power surges, or improper maintenance.

Are "malfunctions" always predictable?

No, "malfunctions" are not always predictable. While regular maintenance and monitoring can help prevent some issues, unforeseen circumstances and complex system interactions can lead to unexpected "performance issues".