prone to malfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prone to malfunction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is likely to fail or experience issues, often in a technical or mechanical context. Example: "The old printer is prone to malfunction, so we should consider replacing it before it causes delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Michael appeared holding a chrome Lorcin.380, a cheap pistol prone to malfunction.

The New Yorker

The mystery of depression is not that it exists — the mind, like the flesh, is prone to malfunction.

The New York Times - Magazine

Moreover, some of the locally made weapons are prone to malfunction, which can kill those who use them.

The New York Times

The next generation of Titans, the 4B, has fewer parts and thus might be less prone to malfunction, Mr. Pike said.

The New York Times

The next day, the Highway Administration demanded that the guardrail be retested, citing concerns that the new design had made it prone to malfunction.

The New York Times

To where and for how long nobody knows, but she's installed dusty animatronic Cora – prone to malfunction, but keep her well oiled and she should do the job – at the Branning threshold.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But the real problem may simply be inherent in the nature of computers: they can be precise but also capricious, prone to malfunctions we simply can't anticipate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jawbone UP has been prone to malfunctioning, while Nike Fuelband dropped its Android companion app.

TechCrunch

As the mechanical pedal system is prone to malfunctions and its appearance is not desired in hotels and some facilities, the actuation system can be automated.

Applied Water Science

Water heaters, especially ones of cheap quality, are prone to malfunctioning and can stay on even after they are set to turn off, so monitor them with a thermometer.

WikiHow

His report followed several studies showing that the lead, called the Riata, was also prone to another malfunction, a tendency for internal wires to break through the protective outer coating and cause electrical problems like unintended shocks in some patients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation, follow "prone to malfunction" with specific examples or scenarios to illustrate potential failure modes.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the likelihood of malfunctions. Qualify "prone to malfunction" with realistic estimates or probabilities to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prone to malfunction" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies has a high likelihood or tendency to experience operational failures or breakdowns. Ludwig's examples show usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prone to malfunction" is a descriptive phrase indicating a high likelihood of failure or operational issues. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and technology. While alternatives like "likely to fail" or "susceptible to breakdown" exist, "prone to malfunction" offers a clear and direct way to communicate potential reliability concerns. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context and avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to fail

This alternative emphasizes the probability of failure, focusing on the expected outcome.

susceptible to breakdown

This phrase highlights the vulnerability to breaking down, stressing the potential for operational halts.

tending to be defective

Focuses on the inherent tendency towards having defects.

inclined to break down

Highlights the inclination or leaning towards experiencing a breakdown.

vulnerable to errors

Emphasizes the susceptibility and exposure to making errors, particularly applicable in systems or processes.

has a high failure rate

Focuses specifically on the statistical measure of how frequently something fails.

at risk of malfunctioning

This stresses the risk involved, implying that the malfunction is a potential danger.

with a tendency to fail

Highlights a trend or habit of failing, indicating a known issue.

inherently unreliable

Describes the unreliability as a built-in or intrinsic characteristic.

having operational weaknesses

This emphasizes vulnerabilities in how something operates, pointing to underlying deficiencies.

FAQs

How can I use "prone to malfunction" in a sentence?

You can use "prone to malfunction" to describe a device, system, or process that has a high likelihood of failing or experiencing operational issues. For example, "The old server is "prone to malfunction" if it overheats."

What are some alternatives to "prone to malfunction"?

Alternatives include "likely to fail", "susceptible to breakdown", or "tending to be defective" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prone to malfunction" or "subject to malfunction"?

Both "prone to malfunction" and "subject to malfunction" are grammatically correct, but "prone to malfunction" suggests a higher likelihood or inherent tendency. "Subject to malfunction" simply indicates a possibility. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual likelihood of issues.

What does it mean for something to be "prone to malfunction"?

When something is "prone to malfunction", it means it has a high chance of breaking down, failing, or not working correctly. It suggests there may be inherent design flaws, age-related issues, or other factors that make it unreliable.