Malfunctioning Meaning and Definition
Malfunctioning
Pronunciation
/mælfʌŋkțɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thing or process that does not function as intended, often causing problems or errors.
Examples
- The car’s malfunctioning engine made it impossible to drive.
- After several attempts, the programmer finally fixed the malfunctioning code.
Synonyms
- Failure
- Breakdown
- Error
Antonyms
- Success
- Functioning
- Fine
Etymology
The word “malfunctioning” comes from the Old English words “mal” meaning “bad” and “functioning” meaning “working”. It has been used in English since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Malfunctioning can be used in a variety of contexts, including technology, engineering, and everyday life.
Cultural References
Variously referenced in popular culture, maltreating has appeared in shows like “The Simpsons” and “South Park”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Malfunctioning” is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “malfunctioning equipment” or “malfunctioning system”.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words include “fault”, “failure”, “error”, and “breakdown”.
Collocations
Common collocations include “malfunctioning engine”, “malfunctioning computer”, and “malfunctioning aircraft”.
Frequency of Use
The word “malfunctioning” is commonly used in modern language, especially in technical and professional contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings include “malfunction” and “malfunctioningly”.