malfunction
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /mælˈfʌŋkʃən/
KK: /mælˈfʌŋkʃən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To fail to work correctly or to operate in a way that is not intended.
Example
The machine may malfunction if it is not properly maintained.
Tense Forms
Past: malfunctioned
Past Participle: malfunctioned
Conversation
Did you notice that the printer malfunctioned again?
Yeah, I saw it was acting weird earlier.
I hope it doesn't keep malfunctioning; we need it for the project.
Same here! Maybe we should check if it's out of ink.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fail
break
flounder
Antonyms
function
operate
perform
noun
Definition
A failure in a system or machine that prevents it from working properly.
Example
The car experienced a malfunction, causing it to stop suddenly.
Conversation
Did you hear about the printer? It had a huge malfunction yesterday.
Oh no! What happened?
It just stopped working right in the middle of printing my report.
Root Explanation
Malfunction → It is formed from "mal-" (meaning bad or ill) and "function" (from Latin "functio", meaning performance or execution). The word "malfunction" describes a performance or execution that is bad or not working properly.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mal-' meaning bad, and 'function' referring to how something works. This helps you remember that a malfunction is when something is not working as it should.
Visually Confused Words
afunction
malunion
function
malefaction
afunctional