# malfunction

/mæɫˈfəŋkʃən/ (US) · /mˌælfˈʌŋkʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malfunction
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a failure to work correctly. You use this when a machine or a system stops doing what it is supposed to do.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a countable noun for specific events, but can be uncountable when referring to the general state of failing to work.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.