malfunction
noun
failure to function properly.
have malfunctioned
-
present perfectof malfunction.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
The second test is believed to have malfunctioned, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director of the Iran program for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 25, 2026
Some of the others might have malfunctioned or not been turned on.
From Slate ● Sep. 18, 2024
Baldwin’s defense team has suggested the actor’s prop gun was faulty and may have malfunctioned, leading to its discharge — a theory that is expected to be a centerpiece of the actor’s defense.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2024
Systems designed to send out alerts if a driver loses consciousness appear to have malfunctioned.
From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2019
The term "kill switch" refers to the ability to halt an AI system when it is deemed to have malfunctioned or gone off the rails.
From Barron's
