malfunction
Translation
malfunction, fault
Examples
A software malfunction caused the system to crash.
A software malfunction caused the system to crash.
Grammar Patterns
((a malfunction)) ((in sth.)) a failure to function correctly in (sth.) A software malfunction caused the system to crash.
Similar Words
Synonyms: failure, fault, defect, glitch
Etymology
From the prefix 'mal-' (bad) + 'function' (operation). Literally 'bad functioning'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'mal' as in 'malicious' or 'malevolent', meaning bad. So, a bad function.