What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malfunction
Example
The printer malfunctioned and stopped printing halfway through the document. [malfunction: verb]
Example
The malfunction of the navigation system caused the plane to veer off course. [malfunction: noun]
glitch
Example
There was a glitch in the software that caused the program to crash. [glitch: noun]
Example
The video game experienced glitches during gameplay, causing frustration for the players. [glitches: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Glitch is more commonly used than malfunction in everyday language, especially in informal contexts such as video games or social media. Malfunction is more commonly used in technical or formal contexts, such as engineering or aviation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malfunction and glitch?
Malfunction is more formal and technical than glitch, making it more appropriate for use in professional or academic settings. Glitch is more informal and colloquial, making it suitable for casual conversations or social media posts.
