malfunction
malfunction
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /mælˈfʌŋkʃən/
Syllable Breakdown:
mal-: /mæl/
/m/ - bilabial voiced stop
/æ/ - open front unrounded vowel
/l/ - alveolar lateral liquid
-function: /ˈfʌŋkʃən/
/ˈf/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
/ʌ/ - open-mid back unrounded vowel
/ŋ/ - velar nasal
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/ʃ/ - voiceless post-alveolar fricative
/ən/ - alveolar nasal + /n/
Word Form Variations
The word "malfunction" is already in its singular form. It does not have a plural form.
However, it can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective:
Verb: The machine malfunctioned.
Noun: The malfunction caused a delay.
Adjective: The malfunctioning equipment was repaired.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A failure or breakdown in the normal operation of something.
Synonyms: breakdown, failure, defect, fault, glitch
Antonyms: success, functionality, efficiency
Verb
Definition: To fail to operate correctly or as intended.
Synonyms: break down, fail, malfunction, go wrong
Antonyms: function, work, operate correctly
Adjective
Definition: Not functioning correctly or as intended.
Synonyms: faulty, defective, broken, out of order
Antonyms: functional, working, efficient
Examples of Use
Books
"The engine malfunctioned, leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere." (From a survival novel)
"The computer's software malfunction prevented the launch from proceeding." (From a science fiction novel)
Newspapers
"Car crash caused by brake malfunction." (Headline from a local newspaper)
"Power plant malfunction leads to widespread outage." (Headline from a national newspaper)
Online Publications
"iPhone 15 camera malfunctioning for some users." (Tech blog post)
"Malfunctioning traffic light causes gridlock in downtown area." (Local news website)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
"The character's malfunctioning android companion causes chaos in the story." (Script for a science fiction TV show)
"The video game's AI malfunctioned, leading to an unbeatable opponent." (Video game review)
General Public Discourse
"My car's air conditioner is malfunctioning again." (Conversation between friends)
"The ATM machine is malfunctioning, so I can't withdraw any cash." (Social media post)
Note: These examples are based on common scenarios and do not represent specific citations. For exact references, please consult relevant sources such as books, newspapers, online articles, or entertainment databases.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Malfunction
"There’s no such thing as a malfunction—just a failure of imagination." — Anonymous
"Technology is great—until it malfunctions." — Anonymous
"A malfunction in the machine of life is a chance to fix what’s broken and move forward stronger." — Anonymous
"The human mind is a powerful engine, but when it malfunctions, it can be more dangerous than any weapon." — Anonymous
"Even the most perfect plan can be derailed by a single malfunction." — Anonymous
"When systems malfunction, true leaders rise to fix them." — Anonymous
"Malfunctions are not the end; they’re the start of innovation." — Anonymous
"A malfunction doesn’t define you—it refines you." — Anonymous
"The only real malfunction is giving up when things go wrong." — Anonymous
"In the world of machines and men, a malfunction is a reminder that we must never stop learning." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "malfunction" is a combination of two smaller words: "mal-" and "function."
"Mal-": This part means "bad" or "wrong." It's a prefix often used to make words negative.
"Function": This means "to work" or "to operate."
So, when you put them together, "malfunction" means "to work badly" or "to fail to work as expected."
The first known use of "malfunction" was in the late 19th century. It was used to describe a machine or system that was not working correctly.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Malfunction
Go haywire: This means to become out of control or to malfunction.
Example: "The computer went haywire and deleted all my files."
Break down: This can mean to stop working or to malfunction, especially in reference to machines or systems.
Example: "The car broke down on the side of the road."
Go on the blink: This is a British idiom that means to stop working or to malfunction.
Example: "The TV's gone on the blink."
Here are some original phrases using "malfunction":
A malfunctioning mind: This refers to a mind that is not working properly or is confused.
A malfunctioning heart: This can refer to a heart that is not pumping blood correctly or to emotional turmoil.
A malfunctioning system: This can refer to any system, whether it's a mechanical, biological, or social system, that is not working as intended.
Note: While "malfunction" itself is not as common in phrases and idioms, the concepts of failure, breakdown, and malfunctioning are prevalent in everyday language.
Posts Related to Malfunction
Source Information
Definition of malfunction from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
