Word
malfunction
Phoneticsmal·func·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/mæɫˈfəŋkʃən/
UK/mˌælfˈʌŋkʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a failure to work correctly. You use this when a machine or a system stops doing what it is supposed to do.
n. a failure to function in a normal or satisfactory manner. Often used in technical or formal contexts to describe mechanical or electronic errors.
Examples
“The computer crashed due to a sudden hardware malfunction.”
“A minor technical malfunction in the cooling system caused the entire factory to shut down for two hours.”
“Engineers traced the catastrophic failure to a software malfunction that occurred during the high-pressure phase of the launch sequence.”
Examples
simple
“The computer crashed due to a sudden hardware malfunction.”
contextual
“A minor technical malfunction in the cooling system caused the entire factory to shut down for two hours.”
complex
“Engineers traced the catastrophic failure to a software malfunction that occurred during the high-pressure phase of the launch sequence.”
Usage
Often used as a countable noun for specific events, but can be uncountable when referring to the general state of failing to work.
Real-World Examples
“A safety system detected dangerous levels of engine thrust, assumed a malfunction, and ordered the fuel supply to be cut off, the theory goes.” “If you’re asked to leave because of malfunctioning machines, don’t.” Etymology
From mal- (“bad, incorrect”) + function.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/malfunction