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

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

He laughed, and we were off, trading theater jokes, wardrobe malfunction stories and references Thom couldn’t follow.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 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

But for expert-turned-presenter Danny Sebastian, one particular kick led to an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 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