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Definition of malfunction

malfunction

/ˌmælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
mal · func · tion
Plural:malfunctions
•
Adjective:malfunctional
•
Past Simple:malfunctioned
•
Past Participle:malfunctioned
•
Present Participle:malfunctioning
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malfunction Lexical Profile

malfunction Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A failure of a machine, system, or bodily organ to function normally or satisfactorily.

Example

"The engineers delayed the satellite launch after detecting a minor sensor malfunction."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for malfunction
Antonyms
View all antonyms for malfunction

• verb

1

To fail to function normally or satisfactorily (of a piece of equipment, machinery, or organ).

Example

"If the thermostat begins to malfunction, the heating system may shut off unexpectedly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for malfunction
Antonyms
View all antonyms for malfunction

• Rhymes for malfunction

• Nearby Words

malevolently
malformation
malformed
malfunction
mali
mali cobra
malian

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century by combining the prefix 'mal-' (from Latin 'male', meaning 'badly') with the noun 'function' (from Latin 'functio', meaning 'performance' or 'execution').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Malfunction. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/malfunction
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