malfunction
Example Sentences
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Shake Shack denied charging “no tip” fees after a viral TikTok appeared to show menu prices jumping when a customer declined a gratuity, blaming the error on a kiosk malfunction.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
High public debt in combination with these changes in market structure makes a bond market malfunction more likely, BIS research has found.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
“A fireworks malfunction did occur during last night’s post-match celebration at Angel City FC’s game vs. Orlando at BMO Stadium,” the team said in a statement to The Times.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026
They may keep the flag down if they suspect there has been a malfunction, but Fifa says a series of failsafe measures are in the technology to prevent errors happening.
From BBC ● Jun. 2, 2026
So there they are, three classic preconditions of a plane crash, the same three that set the stage for Avianca 052: a minor technical malfunction; bad weather; and a tired pilot.
From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell
In a tongue-in-cheek post to Instagram, Glass Animals - best known for their 2020 sleeper-hit Heat Waves - claimed culpability for the lunar lavatory malfunctions.
From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026
Strong solar storms however bring more than just stunning light displays -- they can also disrupt communication systems and cause satellite malfunctions and power grid overloads.
From Barron's ● Nov. 13, 2025
When this protein malfunctions, cells cannot generate the energy they need to survive and perform properly.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 6, 2025
Nevertheless, air sampling has continued to find troubling levels of toxic metals after equipment malfunctions, repairs and noncompliance with regulation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2025
“Whenever an engine malfunctions, I like to tap-dance around it. Works every time.”
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
Actually, it’s Stuart from an alternative universe enlisting him to restore things with the help of a malfunctioned quantum interference device created by Sheldon, Leonard and Howard.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
The chunky metal box malfunctioned, initially leaving more than 100,000 people without power.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
Its woes hit a nadir last week when a radio communications system malfunctioned, crippling nationwide for several hours and leaving thousands of passengers stranded in trains.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
One of Starship's engines also malfunctioned, which forced a slightly longer burn from the remaining five to compensate.
From BBC ● May 23, 2026
I feel this brief panic as I think, What would happen if one of those elements malfunctioned or just stopped working altogether?
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
Devices are at most risk when they are overcharged, malfunctioning or damaged, which can cause components to break down and release excess heat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026
I have a similar complaint, but this relates to a toilet that is malfunctioning.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 2026
The first attempted launch on Thursday was postponed due to a malfunctioning hydraulic pin in the launch tower.
From BBC ● May 23, 2026
To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 23, 2026
Leen hunched over TimeStar’s malfunctioning time travel device, Petey at her shoulder.
From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles
Vocabulary lists containing malfunction
"A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
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A Thousand Splendid Suns
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