malfunction Hear it!

malfunction Definition

mal·func·tion (mal fuŋk′s̸hən)

intransitive verb

to fail to function as it should

Etymology: mal- + function

noun

the act or an instance of malfunctioning

malfunction Synonyms

malfunction

n.

breakdown, defect, fault, flaw, bug*, glitch*; see also failure 1.

malfunction Synonyms

malfunction

v.

break down, fail, get out of order; see break down 3.

malfunction Usage Examples

Object

  • equipment: All damaged or malfunctioning equipment should be repaired on-site or close to the site.
  • machine: A printing machine assistant had his left hand crushed when a winding machine malfunctioned as he attempted to remove a piece of paper.
  • cell: To target malfunctioning cells in the body, without cutting into it - that's the holy grail of surgery.

Converse of object

  • suffer: However, if we suffer any more reactor malfunctions, we will have to resort to a main rocket burn.
  • cause: The car was awaiting review by a GM rep to see what caused the malfunction.

Converse of subject

  • cause: The worst cases are errors caused by hardware malfunction.

Adjective modifier

  • mechanical: Administration errors, typing errors or mechanical malfunction can lead to misrepresentative pricing or details shown.
  • technical: According to some sources, the crash was due to a technical malfunction.
  • electrical: Shortly thereafter, the car stalled on the backside of the track with an apparent electrical system malfunction.
  • serious: This can lead to a serious malfunction of your equipment.
  • physical: Both acute and chronic anxiety have a basis in physical malfunction in brain chemistry, where the brain sends and receives false emergency signals.
  • major: The vehicle later developed a major electrical malfunction, and was pulled out of the Tour de Sol.

Noun used with modifier

  • wardrobe: Via MetaFilter, a bit of physics in action: Bush's necktie produces TV wardrobe malfunction.
  • kidney: Complications set in because of kidney malfunction and I had to spend some time in hospital.
  • brain: Now that just does not compute - brain malfunction.
  • hardware: The worst cases are errors caused by hardware malfunction.
  • equipment: At times, either by operator error or equipment malfunction, the pool may have suffered from the addition of too much chlorine.
  • computer: This can range from a flood or fire to a serious computer malfunction or information security incident.

Preposition: of

  • equipment: This Web Site may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance or malfunction of computer equipment.
  • system: Such a torque, in practice, may arise under malfunction of the control system or from an unbalanced rotor.