Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to the MMWR, investigators said the cooling tower had malfunctioned, leading to either very little or no injection of chemicals that would prevent bacterial growth.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

He later posted a video on TikTok, showing how his earpiece had malfunctioned, playing all of the music twice, like he was singing in the middle of the Grand Canyon.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

The Pimlico track’s timing device showed Secretariat clocked 1:55 for 1 3/16 miles, but it had malfunctioned.

From Washington Times • May 3, 2023

She later learned the refinery had malfunctioned, spewing a clay-like material into the air.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2022

It was like something inside of him had malfunctioned, and he was going to keep rambling until his batteries died.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson