system malfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "system malfunction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a failure or error occurring within a system, often in technical or computing contexts. Example: "The technician reported a system malfunction that caused the server to go offline unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

1.4 Monitoring System Malfunction.

Cornell University

A) "System malfunction, motor casing interference.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Response to credible report of warning system malfunction at a highway-rail grade crossing.

Cornell University

Response to public report of warning system malfunction at a highway-rail grade crossing.

Cornell University

They essentially had less than 40 seconds to manually override a system malfunction before a crash.

The New York Times

The usual response to a system malfunction has been to call for human assistance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Monitoring system malfunction means any sudden, infrequent, and not reasonably preventable failure of the monitoring system to provide valid data.

Cornell University

Under radio system malfunction, the league promised to make unannounced visits to teams to make sure no one tampered with the systems.

The New York Times - Sports

To be sure, those products also must be safe for people to use, but system malfunction rarely causes injury, and users can generally restore operation themselves.

Harvard Business Review

Therefore, proper verification and validation methods in automotive domain are necessary to identify system malfunction in early development phase.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The new voices were clear, but their tone and their accent seemed more airport than subway... Describes a system malfunction which ended with a live conductor taking over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "system malfunction", be specific about which system is malfunctioning and the consequences of the malfunction. This provides clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "system malfunction" as a catch-all term without providing details about the specific problem. Instead of simply stating that there was a "system malfunction", specify the nature of the malfunction and its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system malfunction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an instance of a system not operating as intended. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in describing failures across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "system malfunction" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe operational failures across various domains. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans scientific research, news reporting, and academic discussions. Its function is primarily to report or explain system failures, with a neutral to formal register. While widely used, clarity can be improved by specifying the system and nature of the malfunction. Alternatives like "equipment failure" or "technical fault" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipment failure

Focuses specifically on the failure of equipment, a more tangible component of a system.

technical fault

Highlights the technical aspect of the malfunction, implying a problem with the engineering or mechanics.

operational error

Emphasizes the error in operation rather than the system itself, suggesting human or process-related issues.

component failure

Pinpoints the failure to a specific part or component within the larger system.

breakdown in system

Describes a complete cessation of function within the system.

irregular operation

Indicates that the system is not operating as expected, without necessarily implying a complete failure.

functional problem

Focuses on issues affecting the functionality of the system.

defect in mechanism

Highlights a flaw within the system's mechanism that leads to the malfunction.

performance degradation

Suggests a decline in the system's ability to perform as intended.

anomaly in process

Identifies an unusual occurrence or deviation from the normal process flow, impacting the system's function.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "system malfunction" in a sentence?

You can use "system malfunction" to describe a failure or error within a system. For example, "The investigation revealed a critical "system malfunction" that led to the accident."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "system malfunction"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "equipment failure", "technical fault", or "operational error" as alternatives to "system malfunction".

Is it more appropriate to say "system error" or "system malfunction"?

Both "system error" and "system malfunction" are acceptable, but ""system malfunction"" often implies a more significant or disruptive issue than a simple "system error". The choice depends on the severity of the problem you're describing.

What distinguishes a "system failure" from a "system malfunction"?

While similar, "system failure" suggests a complete cessation of function, whereas ""system malfunction"" can refer to impaired or incorrect operation. A malfunction may or may not lead to a complete failure.