malfunction

[US]/ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃn/
[UK]/ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃn/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. breakdown, obstacle

Example Sentences

Results have been delayed owing to a malfunction in the computer.

In addition to documentation of the malfunction, there should be an evaluation of the possible effects on the product (e.g., partial or complete meltback.

Carborne information system is the integration of all the electronic equipments of the car, it mainly consists of carborne information display system and malfunction diagnosis system.

When the frequency changer has malfunction, power frequency is adopted, and the motor speed is nonadjustable.

The patient's heart continued to beat strongly. Topalpitate is to pulsate with excessive rapidity and often arrhythmically, as a malfunctioning heart might; the term may also denote a trembling, shaking, or quivering movement:

The computer malfunctioned during an important presentation.

The car malfunctioned on the highway, causing a traffic jam.

The phone malfunctioned after being dropped in water.

The heating system malfunctioned in the middle of winter.

The alarm clock malfunctioned and didn't go off in the morning.

The printer malfunctioned and printed out blank pages.

The elevator malfunctioned and got stuck between floors.

The camera malfunctioned and ruined all the photos from the trip.

The air conditioning unit malfunctioned during a heatwave.

The security system malfunctioned and failed to detect the intruder.

Real-world Examples

Whatever the hell it was - Computer malfunction.

Source: American TV series Person of Interest Season 4

Meantime, Toyota, expanding its recall of vehicles whose gas pedals may be malfunctioning.

Source: CNN Listening Collection November 2012

The penthouse cameras were conveniently malfunctioning.

Source: TV series Person of Interest Season 2

He uses electricity to treat and cure electrical malfunctions of the heart.

Source: Discovery documentary "Understanding Electricity"

The opposition says it has evidence the machines malfunctioned in several states.

Source: BBC Listening Compilation March 2023

Four years after the crash, U.S. investigators ruled the cause was aircraft malfunction.

Source: VOA Standard March 2014 Collection

And I thought at first, the equipment must have malfunctioned, but it was real.

Source: TED Talks (Video Version) Bilingual Selection

Workers don't know why the lift malfunctioned, but they did get it moving.

Source: CNN Listening Compilation October 2019

Or it could be a malfunction in how memories are made in the first place.

Source: PBS Fun Science Popularization

Local media say North Korea's satellite launch failed after the rocket's second stage malfunctioned.

Source: CRI Online June 2023 Collection

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