malfunction
gb/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/ us/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
event
1
failure to work properly
When a machine does not work the right way.
Usage pattern:
a malfunction (in/of) [machine/system]
Common mistake:
Malfunction is not an adjective; say "a malfunctioning printer" or "a faulty printer," not "a malfunction printer."
Synonyms
fault (General problem; can be less specific than a malfunction.)
|
failure (Often broader; may suggest complete stopping rather than incorrect operation.)
|
breakdown (Often used for vehicles or serious stoppages.)
Antonyms
proper functioning (Working correctly as intended.)
|
normal operation (Operating in the usual correct way.)
Collocations
equipment malfunction
|system malfunction
|technical malfunction
|hardware malfunction
|software malfunction
|mechanical malfunction
|engine malfunction
|sensor malfunction
|power malfunction
|a malfunction occurs
Themes
technology
|daily_life
|transport
|workplace
Examples
- The flight was delayed because of a technical malfunction.
- A malfunction in the braking system triggered a safety alert.
- The app crashed due to a software malfunction.
Learner examples
- There was a malfunction in the elevator.
- The car stopped because of a malfunction.
Verb
B2
event
2
stop working properly
If a machine malfunctions, it does not work correctly.
Usage pattern:
[machine/system] malfunctions (at/in/during) [time/place/event]
Common mistake:
Don’t use as a transitive verb: say "The machine malfunctioned," not "It malfunctioned the machine."
Synonyms
fail (More general; may mean it stops working entirely.)
|
break down (Common for vehicles and machines; often implies stopping completely.)
|
go wrong (Informal and broad; not limited to machines.)
Antonyms
function (Work correctly.)
|
operate normally (Work in the usual correct way.)
Collocations
malfunction suddenly
|malfunction repeatedly
|malfunction during the test
|malfunction in flight
|malfunction under pressure
|malfunction without warning
|malfunction due to a defect
|malfunction because of overheating
Themes
technology
|daily_life
|workplace
Examples
- The scanner malfunctioned halfway through the job.
- If the alarm malfunctions, call maintenance immediately.
- The robot arm malfunctioned and stopped moving.
Learner examples
- My phone malfunctioned yesterday.
- The machine is malfunctioning.
Noun
C1
state
3
body part works wrongly
When a part of the body does not work normally.
Usage pattern:
a malfunction of [organ/system]
Common mistake:
In health contexts, this is often countable: "a malfunction of the immune system" (not usually "malfunctioning" as a noun).
Synonyms
dysfunction (More common in medical contexts and often more formal.)
|
disorder (Broader; can refer to a diagnosed condition, not just a failure to work.)
Antonyms
normal function (Healthy, typical operation of the body part or system.)
Collocations
organ malfunction
|kidney malfunction
|immune system malfunction
|thyroid malfunction
|brain malfunction
|hormonal malfunction
|a malfunction occurs
Themes
health
|science
Examples
- The tests showed a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
- Symptoms can appear when the immune system has a malfunction.
- The doctor ruled out any organ malfunction.
Learner examples
- The doctor found a malfunction in my thyroid.
- My immune system has a problem.
Grammar
Dictionary form
malfunction
IPA
GB/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
US/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
Syllables & stress
mal - func - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (func)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: malfunction
- Plural: malfunction, malfunctions
Verb
- Base: malfunction
- 3rd Person Singular: malfunctions
- Present Participle: malfunctioning
- Past: malfunctioned
Word family
Forms
malfunctions
noun
malfunctioning
verb
malfunctioned
verb
Core family
function
noun B1
functional
adjective B1
Related words
functionality
noun B2
functionally
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
a malfunction occurs
1/ə mælfˈʌŋkʃən əkˈɚz/
fixed phrase
a failure happens
Used to talk about what to do when a machine fails.
Examples
- If a malfunction occurs, shut down the device immediately.
- An alarm sounds when a malfunction occurs in the cooling system.
- The manual explains what to do if a malfunction occurs.
suffer a malfunction
1/sˈʌfɚ ə mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
fixed phrase
experience a mechanical failure
When a machine has a malfunction.
Examples
- The train suffered a malfunction and was taken out of service.
- During the broadcast, the camera suffered a malfunction.
- The elevator suffered a malfunction and trapped two people briefly.