Inglese

malfunction

gb/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/ us/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
B2 Inglese
Accezioni
0 accezioni
Sostantivo B2 event
1

failure to work properly

When a machine does not work the right way.

Schema d'uso: a malfunction (in/of) [machine/system]
Errore comune:
Malfunction is not an adjective; say "a malfunctioning printer" or "a faulty printer," not "a malfunction printer."
Sinonimi
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.)
Contrari
proper functioning (Working correctly as intended.) | normal operation (Operating in the usual correct way.)
Collocazioni
equipment malfunction |system malfunction |technical malfunction |hardware malfunction |software malfunction |mechanical malfunction |engine malfunction |sensor malfunction |power malfunction |a malfunction occurs
Temi
technology |daily_life |transport |workplace
Esempi
  • 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.
Esempi per chi studia
  • There was a malfunction in the elevator.
  • The car stopped because of a malfunction.
Verbo B2 event
2

stop working properly

If a machine malfunctions, it does not work correctly.

Schema d'uso: [machine/system] malfunctions (at/in/during) [time/place/event]
Errore comune:
Don’t use as a transitive verb: say "The machine malfunctioned," not "It malfunctioned the machine."
Sinonimi
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.)
Contrari
function (Work correctly.) | operate normally (Work in the usual correct way.)
Collocazioni
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
Temi
technology |daily_life |workplace
Esempi
  • The scanner malfunctioned halfway through the job.
  • If the alarm malfunctions, call maintenance immediately.
  • The robot arm malfunctioned and stopped moving.
Esempi per chi studia
  • My phone malfunctioned yesterday.
  • The machine is malfunctioning.
Sostantivo C1 state
3

body part works wrongly

When a part of the body does not work normally.

Schema d'uso: a malfunction of [organ/system]
Errore comune:
In health contexts, this is often countable: "a malfunction of the immune system" (not usually "malfunctioning" as a noun).
Sinonimi
dysfunction (More common in medical contexts and often more formal.) | disorder (Broader; can refer to a diagnosed condition, not just a failure to work.)
Contrari
normal function (Healthy, typical operation of the body part or system.)
Collocazioni
organ malfunction |kidney malfunction |immune system malfunction |thyroid malfunction |brain malfunction |hormonal malfunction |a malfunction occurs
Temi
health |science
Esempi
  • 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.
Esempi per chi studia
  • The doctor found a malfunction in my thyroid.
  • My immune system has a problem.
Grammatica
Forma base
malfunction
IPA
GB/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
US/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
Sillabe e accento
mal - func - tion (3 sillabe)
Stress on 2nd syllable (func)
Forme flesse
Noun
  • Base: malfunction
  • Plural: malfunction, malfunctions
Verb
  • Base: malfunction
  • 3rd Person Singular: malfunctions
  • Present Participle: malfunctioning
  • Past: malfunctioned
Famiglia di parole
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
dysfunctional adjective dysfunction noun B2 nonfunctional adjective
Espressioni

a malfunction occurs

1
/ə mælfˈʌŋkʃən əkˈɚz/
fixed phrase

a failure happens

Used to talk about what to do when a machine fails.

Esempi
  • 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.

Esempi
  • 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.

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