malfunction

[mal-fuhngk-shuhn]

noun

1. failure to function properly.

   a malfunction of the liver; the malfunction of a rocket.

verb (used without object)

1. to fail to function properly.

malfunction

/ mælˈfʌŋkʃən /

verb

1. (intr) to function imperfectly or irregularly or fail to function

noun

1. failure to function or defective functioning

Word History and Origins

Origin of malfunction¹

First recorded in 1925–30; mal- + function

Example Sentences

But it was Yang in prosthetics as Dobby the House Elf from “Harry Potter” who won the night despite a hilarious wardrobe malfunction — his rag outfit kept coming off at the shoulder.

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He said his chair has been malfunctioning since the collision.

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Before he was killed earlier this month at a speaking event in Utah, one of the most popular video clips featuring Charlie Kirk showed him mocking a college girl for having a wardrobe malfunction.

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The one Alcaraz did lose came at Wimbledon, where his malfunctioning serve allowed Sinner to get on top.

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Wales' line-out continued to malfunction as Canada were given an easy out and the half an hour that followed was a lesson in how to be clinical.

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Related Words

• bug 
• defect 
• fault 
• flaw 
• glitch 
• impairment