malfunction
gb/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/ us/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
B2
Anglais
Sens
0 sens
Nom
B2
event
1
failure to work properly
When a machine does not work the right way.
Schéma d’usage :
a malfunction (in/of) [machine/system]
Erreur fréquente :
Malfunction is not an adjective; say "a malfunctioning printer" or "a faulty printer," not "a malfunction printer."
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
technology
|daily_life
|transport
|workplace
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- There was a malfunction in the elevator.
- The car stopped because of a malfunction.
Verbe
B2
event
2
stop working properly
If a machine malfunctions, it does not work correctly.
Schéma d’usage :
[machine/system] malfunctions (at/in/during) [time/place/event]
Erreur fréquente :
Don’t use as a transitive verb: say "The machine malfunctioned," not "It malfunctioned the machine."
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
technology
|daily_life
|workplace
Exemples
- The scanner malfunctioned halfway through the job.
- If the alarm malfunctions, call maintenance immediately.
- The robot arm malfunctioned and stopped moving.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My phone malfunctioned yesterday.
- The machine is malfunctioning.
Nom
C1
state
3
body part works wrongly
When a part of the body does not work normally.
Schéma d’usage :
a malfunction of [organ/system]
Erreur fréquente :
In health contexts, this is often countable: "a malfunction of the immune system" (not usually "malfunctioning" as a noun).
Synonymes
dysfunction (More common in medical contexts and often more formal.)
|
disorder (Broader; can refer to a diagnosed condition, not just a failure to work.)
Antonymes
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
Thèmes
health
|science
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The doctor found a malfunction in my thyroid.
- My immune system has a problem.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
malfunction
API
GB/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
US/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
Syllabes et accentuation
mal - func - tion (3 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (func)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: malfunction
- Plural: malfunction, malfunctions
Verb
- Base: malfunction
- 3rd Person Singular: malfunctions
- Present Participle: malfunctioning
- Past: malfunctioned
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- 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.