Inglês

malfunction

gb/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/ us/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
B2 Inglês
Aceções
0 aceções
Nome B2 event
1

failure to work properly

When a machine does not work the right way.

Padrão de uso: a malfunction (in/of) [machine/system]
Erro comum:
Malfunction is not an adjective; say "a malfunctioning printer" or "a faulty printer," not "a malfunction printer."
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
proper functioning (Working correctly as intended.) | normal operation (Operating in the usual correct way.)
Colocações
equipment malfunction |system malfunction |technical malfunction |hardware malfunction |software malfunction |mechanical malfunction |engine malfunction |sensor malfunction |power malfunction |a malfunction occurs
Temas
technology |daily_life |transport |workplace
Exemplos
  • 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.
Exemplos para aprendentes
  • 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.

Padrão de uso: [machine/system] malfunctions (at/in/during) [time/place/event]
Erro comum:
Don’t use as a transitive verb: say "The machine malfunctioned," not "It malfunctioned the machine."
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
function (Work correctly.) | operate normally (Work in the usual correct way.)
Colocações
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
Temas
technology |daily_life |workplace
Exemplos
  • The scanner malfunctioned halfway through the job.
  • If the alarm malfunctions, call maintenance immediately.
  • The robot arm malfunctioned and stopped moving.
Exemplos para aprendentes
  • My phone malfunctioned yesterday.
  • The machine is malfunctioning.
Nome C1 state
3

body part works wrongly

When a part of the body does not work normally.

Padrão de uso: a malfunction of [organ/system]
Erro comum:
In health contexts, this is often countable: "a malfunction of the immune system" (not usually "malfunctioning" as a noun).
Sinónimos
dysfunction (More common in medical contexts and often more formal.) | disorder (Broader; can refer to a diagnosed condition, not just a failure to work.)
Antónimos
normal function (Healthy, typical operation of the body part or system.)
Colocações
organ malfunction |kidney malfunction |immune system malfunction |thyroid malfunction |brain malfunction |hormonal malfunction |a malfunction occurs
Temas
health |science
Exemplos
  • 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.
Exemplos para aprendentes
  • The doctor found a malfunction in my thyroid.
  • My immune system has a problem.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
malfunction
IPA
GB/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
US/mælfˈʌŋkʃən/
Sílabas e acento
mal - func - tion (3 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (func)
Formas da palavra
Noun
  • Base: malfunction
  • Plural: malfunction, malfunctions
Verb
  • Base: malfunction
  • 3rd Person Singular: malfunctions
  • Present Participle: malfunctioning
  • Past: malfunctioned
Família de palavras
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
Expressões

a malfunction occurs

1
/ə mælfˈʌŋkʃən əkˈɚz/
fixed phrase

a failure happens

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

Exemplos
  • 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.

Exemplos
  • 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.

Que bom ver-te de novo!

Inicia sessão para continuar

Ainda não tens uma conta? Criar conta