How Do You Spell MALFUNCTION?

Pronunciation: [mˌalfˈʌŋkʃən] (IPA)

The word "malfunction" is spelled as /mælfʌŋkʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is comprised of the prefix "mal-" meaning "bad" and the word "function" meaning "an activity or purpose natural to or intended for a person or thing." The spelling may seem complex because of its formation from two separate words, but it is consistent with English spelling rules. This word refers to the failure of a machine or system to operate normally, and is commonly used in technical contexts.

MALFUNCTION Meaning and Definition

  1. Malfunction is a noun that refers to a failure or breakdown in the normal functioning or operation of a mechanical, electronic, or other type of system or device. It is commonly used to describe a situation where a machine, equipment, or system deviates from its intended performance, resulting in a disruption or inability to carry out its designated functions.

    In such instances, a malfunction can occur due to a variety of factors such as mechanical flaws, technical issues, electrical or software problems, wear and tear, or incorrect usage. The severity of a malfunction can range from minor hiccups or glitches that temporarily hinder performance to more critical failures that render the system completely non-functional.

    Malfunctions can manifest in a diverse range of contexts, from everyday household appliances and vehicles to complex industrial machinery and advanced technological systems. For example, a malfunction in a car engine may cause it to stall or produce strange noises, while a malfunction in a computer can lead to freezes or crashes.

    When a malfunction arises, it often requires troubleshooting and repairs to restore the system back to its proper working condition. In some cases, malfunctions can be harmful or dangerous, particularly in critical systems such as medical equipment, aerospace technology, or nuclear reactors. Thus, regular maintenance, testing, and safety protocols are crucial in preventing or addressing malfunctions, ensuring the optimal functioning and safety of various systems and devices.

Top Common Misspellings for MALFUNCTION *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MALFUNCTION

Etymology of MALFUNCTION

The word "malfunction" originated in the mid-19th century from the combination of two separate words: "mal-" and "function".

The prefix "mal-" comes from the Latin word "malus", meaning "bad" or "evil". It is often used in English to indicate something negative, defective, or abnormal, such as in words like "malicious" or "malnourished".

The word "function" comes from the Latin word "functio", which means "performance", "execution", or "accomplishment". It refers to the proper working or operation of something.

By combining these two elements, "mal-" and "function", the word "malfunction" was formed to describe a failure or abnormality in the function or operation of a system, machine, or device. It denotes an undesired or incorrect performance of the intended task.

Similar spelling word for MALFUNCTION

Plural form of MALFUNCTION is MALFUNCTIONS

Conjugate verb Malfunction

CONDITIONAL

I would malfunction
you would malfunction
he/she/it would malfunction
we would malfunction
they would malfunction

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be malfunctioning
you would be malfunctioning
he/she/it would be malfunctioning
we would be malfunctioning
they would be malfunctioning

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have malfunction
you would have malfunction
he/she/it would have malfunction
we would have malfunction
they would have malfunction

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been malfunctioning
you would have been malfunctioning
he/she/it would have been malfunctioning
we would have been malfunctioning
they would have been malfunctioning

FUTURE

I will malfunction
you will malfunction
he/she/it will malfunction
we will malfunction
they will malfunction

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be malfunctioning
you will be malfunctioning
he/she/it will be malfunctioning
we will be malfunctioning
they will be malfunctioning

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have malfunctioned
you will have malfunctioned
he/she/it will have malfunctioned
we will have malfunctioned
they will have malfunctioned

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been malfunctioning
you will have been malfunctioning
he/she/it will have been malfunctioning
we will have been malfunctioning
they will have been malfunctioning

IMPERATIVE

you malfunction
we let´s malfunction

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to malfunction

PAST

I malfunctioned
you malfunctioned
he/she/it malfunctioned
we malfunctioned
they malfunctioned

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was malfunctioning
you were malfunctioning
he/she/it was malfunctioning
we were malfunctioning
they were malfunctioning

PAST PARTICIPLE

malfunctioned

PAST PERFECT

I had malfunctioned
you had malfunctioned
he/she/it had malfunctioned
we had malfunctioned
they had malfunctioned

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been malfunctioning
you had been malfunctioning
he/she/it had been malfunctioning
we had been malfunctioning
they had been malfunctioning

PRESENT

I malfunction
you malfunction
he/she/it malfunctions
we malfunction
they malfunction

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am malfunctioning
you are malfunctioning
he/she/it is malfunctioning
we are malfunctioning
they are malfunctioning

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

malfunctioning

PRESENT PERFECT

I have malfunctioned
you have malfunctioned
he/she/it has malfunctioned
we have malfunctioned
they have malfunctioned

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been malfunctioning
you have been malfunctioning
he/she/it has been malfunctioning
we have been malfunctioning
they have been malfunctioning
I would have malfunctioned
we would have malfunctioned
you would have malfunctioned
he/she/it would have malfunctioned
they would have malfunctioned

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