wardrobe malfunction

American  

[wawr-drohb mal-fuhngk-shuhn] / ˈwɔr droʊb mælˌfʌŋk ʃən /

noun

Facetious.

1. an instance of a piece of clothing slipping, ripping, etc., and causing embarrassment for the wearer.

   One of the models had an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction during the fashion show.

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wardrobe malfunction British  

noun

1. informal an embarrassing situation caused by the clothes a person is wearing

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Etymology

Origin of wardrobe malfunction

2004; coined by Justin Timberlake (born 1981), American singer and actor

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wardrobe malfunction

Half-time performances have a history of sparking controversy - from Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction in 2004, to the live debut of Beyoncé's Black Lives Matter anthem Formation in 2016.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

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.

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2025

He later defended his singing on ITV's Lorraine, saying: "I had a slight wardrobe malfunction - my mic pack fell off - and had to improvise but that's fine - it's live TV, it happens."

From BBC ● May 12, 2024

Audiences are reconsidering mid-2000s pop cultural events like the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction seen ’round the world at the Super Bowl halftime in 2004, and the media’s cruel treatment of Britney Spears, Timberlake’s ex-girlfriend.

From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2024

Stone, who won the lead actress Oscar for her role as the puckish Bella Baxter in “Poor Things,” elaborated on the wardrobe malfunction that nearly eclipsed her acceptance speech during the telecast.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2024