malfunctions

verb

present tense third-person singular of malfunction
as in fails
to fail to function or work properly A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctions
  1. fails
  2. crashes
Verb
  • Like eyes, ears and lungs, a person can live a relatively normal and active life if one organ in the natural set fails.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Kick the can If Congress fails to act, payments are expected to be 22% lower, which could be devastating for the millions of seniors who rely on their Social Security benefits to pay for basic necessities.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fails
Verb
  • The Honda continues down the street and crashes into a parked car, as Good’s wife, Becca Good, who was recording the altercation, runs after it.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Horrifying videos circulating online show people fleeing before the debris flow hits and a deluge crashes down on them.
    — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of crashes
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

malfunctioning
malfunctions
malice
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malfunctions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctions. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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