C1verbformaltechnologywork
US/mælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
UK/mælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
to stop working properly, as a machine or piece of equipment does
More often (noun): a fault or failure in the way a machine or system works
In context
The elevator malfunctioned during the morning rush, and many workers were late.
If the printer malfunctions again, please call the technical support department.
The alarm system malfunctioned and went off in the middle of the night.
Words that go with malfunction
adverb + verb
- suddenly malfunctionThe equipment suddenly malfunctioned during the demonstration.
verb + preposition
- begin to malfunctionSystems often begin to malfunction after a bad update.
- malfunction due toThe device may malfunction due to a power surge.
- seem to malfunctionThe sensor seems to malfunction in cold weather.
verb + adverb
- malfunction repeatedlyThe scanner malfunctioned repeatedly last week.