malfunction
UK: /ˌmælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ | US: /ˌmælˈfʌŋk.ʃən/
n. a failure to operate or function correctly
v. to fail to work or operate normally
The word "malfunction" combines the Latin-derived prefix "mal-" (meaning "bad" or "wrong") with the noun "function" (from Latin "functio," meaning "performance" or "execution"). The prefix "mal-" appears in many English words to indicate something negative or defective (e.g., "malpractice," "malnutrition"). "Function" retains its core meaning of "working" or "operating." Together, "malfunction" literally means "bad working" or "faulty operation," reflecting its modern usage in technical and everyday contexts.
The elevator's malfunction caused delays in the office building.
If the device malfunctions, unplug it immediately.
Engineers are investigating the cause of the spacecraft's malfunction.
A software malfunction corrupted the data.
The car's braking system began to malfunction during the test drive.