malfunction
/ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [mælfˈʌŋkʃən] /ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [mælfˈʌŋkʃən] /ˌmal-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce malfunction (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˌmælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ (bre, ipa) · [mælfˈʌŋkʃən] /ˌmælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ (ame, ipa)
malfunction — verb
- malfunctionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- malfunctionshe / she / it
- malfunctionedpast simple
- malfunctioning-ing form
1. to stop doing its job properly because part of a machine, system, or process has
to stop doing its job properly because part of a machine, system, or process has gone wrong
The kitchen scanner malfunctioned and printed every order twice before lunch.
machine stops working correctly during normal use
Ramón's car malfunctioned on the bridge, so traffic slowed behind him.
The app malfunctioned after the update and hid all Yuna's saved notes.
During the fire drill, one office door malfunctioned and would not lock.
- break down
more common in everyday speech, especially for cars and machines
- fail
broader; can describe people, plans, or systems, not only technical problems
- act up
informal and often used for machines that behave badly for a short time
文法句型
malfunction + during + event
malfunction + after + change or damage
用法筆記
Subject is usually a machine, device, system, or body process. The verb is intransitive, so the thing with the problem comes before the verb.
常見錯誤
malfunction — noun
- malfunctionsingular
- malfunctionsplural
1. a fault or sudden problem that makes a machine, system, or body process stop wor
a fault or sudden problem that makes a machine, system, or body process stop working in the usual way
A small sensor malfunction shut down the train just before sunrise.
noun naming the problem itself
The pilot reported an electrical malfunction before landing in Cebu.
Doctors traced the fainting spell to a temporary heart malfunction.
Because of a software malfunction, Ishaan's ticket showed the wrong seat.
- normal operation
focuses on the machine or system working as expected
文法句型
a malfunction in + system
a malfunction during + event
用法筆記
Often follows a technical modifier such as electrical, software, engine, or system. It sounds more formal and more specific than the general noun 'failure'.