malfunction
noun
failure to function properly.
malfunctioned
-
past participleof malfunction.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof malfunction.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
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 transmission malfunctioned in his 1978 boat, Miss Julie, which he also uses for crabbing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Its woes hit a nadir last week when a radio communications system malfunctioned, crippling nationwide for several hours and leaving thousands of passengers stranded in trains.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
One of Starship's engines also malfunctioned, which forced a slightly longer burn from the remaining five to compensate.
From BBC ● May 23, 2026
“The likelihood that the M767A1 fuze malfunctioned is a statistical anomaly that was outside any reasonable probability.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 16, 2026
At the same moment that Anderson’s hose stopped, another steamer malfunctioned and its water also gave out.
From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy
