malfunction
mal-FUNGK-shuhn
/ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃən/
A failure to function in a normal or satisfactory manner.
Often used for mechanical or electronic failures where the device stops working correctly.
The story behind the word. The prefix 'mal-' comes from the Latin 'malus,' meaning bad. It literally means 'badly functioning.'
Word relationships
- glitch: A glitch is a minor, temporary malfunction; a malfunction can be permanent or serious.
- operation: The state of working correctly.
Commonly confused with
- error: An error is often a human mistake; a malfunction is a machine failure.
Word family
- functional (adjective): working correctly
Collocations
- equipment malfunction
- technical malfunction
- sudden malfunction
Example sentences
- "The technician determined that the screen flicker was caused by a hardware malfunction." Tech support call.
Memory hook
MAL- is bad, like a MALady (illness). A malfunction is a sick machine. Bad function.
When not to use
Do not use for aesthetic damage (like a scratch); use it for operational failure.
Fun facts
- The term 'wardrobe malfunction' became famous after the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.
Related words
Also appears in
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