malfunction

Everyday

1. A failure of a machine or system to work properly. tree →
2. (verb) To stop working correctly: the traffic lights malfunctioned. tree →
3. (formal) A fault in how part of the body works. tree →

In the lessons

Used in technology, science and news reports: computers, rockets, alarms and machines can malfunction. In safety lessons a malfunctioning smoke alarm must be fixed. In everyday talk people say «it broke» or «it's playing up». Phrases: a technical malfunction, an equipment malfunction.

Examples

• The lift had a malfunction and stopped between floors. tree →
• Our printer keeps malfunctioning. tree →
• A computer malfunction delayed the flights. tree →
• If the smoke alarm malfunctions, tell an adult. tree →
• The robot malfunctioned and spun in circles. tree →
• The rocket launch was stopped because of a malfunction. tree →
• The traffic lights malfunctioned during the storm. tree →
• Engineers found the cause of the malfunction. tree →

Note

Countable noun: malfunctions. Regular verb: malfunctioned. «mal-» means bad or wrong (as in malnutrition). Formal; casual talk: «broke down», «went wrong», «played up» (UK), «glitch».