Malfunction
Malfunction verb - Fail to function or function improperly.
Usage example: the coffee maker malfunctioned
Work is an antonym for malfunction.
Nearby Words: malfunctioning, malfunctioned
Work
Work verb - Perform as expected when applied.
Usage example: This old radio doesn't work anymore
Malfunction is an antonym for work.
How words are described
| similar | similar malfunction | similar work |
| single | single malfunction | single work |
| actual | actual malfunction | actual work |
| real | real malfunction | real work |
| Other adjectives: serious, bad, early, major, classic, last, recent. | ||
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
- His insane inventions malfunction about as often as they work and are usually used for incredibly mundane activities, but they're just so awesome.
Source: Crazy Awesome / Web Comics -
Which malfunction on his Propaganda DVD, but finally work in his video for "Childhood (Don't) A-Go-Go".
Source: Music / Doctor Steel -
Which malfunction on his Propaganda DVD, but finally work in his video for "Childhood Don't A-Go-Go".
Source: Ridiculously Human Robots
Cite this Source
Work and Malfunction. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/malfunction/work
Malfunction & Work. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/malfunction/work>.
Work or Malfunction. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/malfunction/work.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "malfunction" and "work" have occurred on timeline