What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malfunction
Example
The printer is malfunctioning and not printing the documents properly. [malfunctioning: present participle]
Example
The car's engine malfunctioned during the race, causing the driver to lose. [malfunctioned: past tense]
failure
Example
The project was a failure due to poor planning and execution. [failure: noun]
Example
The experiment failed to produce the desired results. [failed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Failure is more commonly used than malfunction in everyday language. Failure is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and fields, while malfunction is more specific and often used in technical or engineering contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malfunction and failure?
Both malfunction and failure can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, malfunction is more technical and may be more appropriate in formal or professional settings, while failure can have a more casual or critical tone depending on the context.
