malfunction

[mælˈfʌŋkʃən]

Origin

From mal- (meaning "bad" or "wrongly") + function

Meanings

1. (noun) A failure to function normally or satisfactorily
2. (verb) To fail to function normally or satisfactorily

Example Sentences

1. The computer experienced a malfunction and lost all the data.
2. The aircraft had to make an emergency landing due to an engine malfunction.
3. The traffic lights malfunctioned, causing chaos at the intersection.

Related Words

• Forms: malfunctions (plural), malfunctioned (past tense), malfunctioning (present participle)
• Synonyms: breakdown, failure, glitch, defect, flaw

Memorization Trick

Think of "mal" (bad) + "function" (operation). A malfunction is when something functions badly or incorrectly.

Picture a grumpy face (mal) on a machine that's supposed to be working (function) but isn't doing its job properly.