as in down
not being in working order
a malfunctioning computer cost us days of work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in failing
to fail to function or work properly
A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of malfunctioning
Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem — a malfunctioning space toilet.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
The handwash sink next to the restrooms and kitchen had a malfunctioning soap dispenser.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Dennis Romero, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
But last month, the company said the malfunctioning Starlink satellite posed no threat to the International Space Station and other space missions in the area.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
Marty’s role is to complain anytime the temperature drops below 80, but also serves as the neighborhood’s generous handyman, known to fix a malfunctioning garage door mid-match.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
For the second time since launch, Orion’s toilet is malfunctioning.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Two park employees quickly arrive to scoop up the malfunctioning animatronic device and carry it away.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai.
—Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The decent from 33,000 feet would have been trickier, especially with malfunctioning instruments.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem -- a malfunctioning space toilet.
—Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem — a malfunctioning space toilet.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
The handwash sink next to the restrooms and kitchen had a malfunctioning soap dispenser.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Often, the easiest solution to fix a malfunctioning attack is to change the striker.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.
—Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.
—Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
In an arrest affidavit, investigators said Victor Lee Hawkins, 20, armed with two semiautomatic handguns, walked into the lobby of the school that afternoon, told everyone to hit the ground and tried to shoot one student but was thwarted by a malfunctioning weapon.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
But last month, the company said the malfunctioning Starlink satellite posed no threat to the International Space Station and other space missions in the area.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
Marty’s role is to complain anytime the temperature drops below 80, but also serves as the neighborhood’s generous handyman, known to fix a malfunctioning garage door mid-match.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
For the second time since launch, Orion’s toilet is malfunctioning.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Two park employees quickly arrive to scoop up the malfunctioning animatronic device and carry it away.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
Interference has caused aircraft to appear having traveled in erratic, wave-like patterns; on land, malfunctioning GPS systems have also caused food delivery riders to appear off the coast of Dubai.
—Matthew Chin, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The decent from 33,000 feet would have been trickier, especially with malfunctioning instruments.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioning
Adjective
-
For minor sports, there is a down side to schools paying athletes playing for high-revenue programs like football and men’s basketball.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Pedal to Shady Lane Cellars and Three Trees Vineyard, or detour down country roads (follow signage from the main trail) to visit Mawby Sparkling Wines and Black Star Farms, a winery and luxe inn.—
Sarah Miller,
Midwest Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Kansas City Chiefs have made it through two days — and three rounds — of the 2026 NFL Draft while failing to address a major part of the team.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Now Durnell is at the center of a Supreme Court case to be argued on April 27 that tackles whether Monsanto can be sued for failing to warn of cancer risks from glyphosate.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers.—
Zaz Hollander,
Anchorage Daily News,
4 Feb. 2023
-
In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system.—
Michael Tomasky,
The New Republic,
30 Jan. 2023
Verb
-
The substitute looks up and sends a shot crashing against the post from a tight angle.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There was a big crashing sound.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
According to Wolcott Animal Control, the dog displayed no obvious signs of trauma such as being hit by car, broken bones, gun shot wounds or other external injuries.—
Kellie Love,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Luckily, most spring leafy greens can withstand a broken petiole or two and recover nicely.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This new statute requires various property owners, including HOAs, to either remove nonfunctional turf or begin irrigating it with reclaimed water.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Three months later, the plant remained nonfunctional Thursday night, reducing the Cheboygan dam's ability to pass floodwater that had climbed within five inches of its crest.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And there’s been plenty of media focus since then — including on inoperative toilets.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The antiskid system was inoperative, and all four main tires on the landing gear blew.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That makes their cancer inoperable.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
City says cars were inoperable The Somerville Department of Public Works says these cars are inoperable and awaiting disposal.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malfunctioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioning. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
