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

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

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

Emma Stone, who won best actress for Poor Things, said on stage that she'd suffered a wardrobe malfunction while dancing to Ryan Gosling's performance of I'm Just Ken.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2024

She didn’t further elaborate on the wardrobe malfunction, and representatives for LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, did not immediately respond Monday to The Times’ request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2024

Robert Downey Jr won his first-ever Oscar, Emma Stone had a wardrobe malfunction and more of the best bits from the awards in 60 seconds.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2024