In firearms terminology, what defines a "malfunction"?

A malfunction in firearms terminology is defined as a situation that prevents the normal operation of the weapon. This encompasses any failure of the firearm to function as intended, such as failure to feed, failure to fire, or failure to eject. These issues can arise from a variety of causes including mechanical failures, ammunition problems, or user errors. Understanding malfunctions is crucial for firearms training, as it enables users to recognize and troubleshoot problems that may arise during the operation of their weapon.

The other options do not pertain to the definition of a malfunction: cleaning refers to maintenance practices, ammunition shortfall indicates a lack of supplies rather than a functional failure, and shooting techniques involve operational skills under duress, which do not relate to the mechanisms of the firearm itself.