Malfunction/ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Not breaking A malfunction means it's not working right, not necessarily broken into pieces. Despite the phone's screen malfunction, it's not shattered. Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected issues Malfunctions are often sudden and unpredictable, causing inconvenience. The show stopped due to a stage light malfunction. Pro Tip 3/3Technical contexts Malfunction is frequently used in contexts involving machinery, electronics, or systems. The spacecraft's sensor malfunction led to a mission delay.