You are confusing to me, since I don't know what you want xD The terms error, failure and defect makes it seem like you're talking about computer engineering. If that's the case, then this link will do: http://www.abodeqa.com/2012/11/05/manual-testing-interview-question-difference-between-error-defect-and-failure/ Shane's right. Saying it’s broken or out of order is already good. You can say "there’s a problem with..."

I think they generally mean the same thing but some of the words are more appropriate in certain circumstances/situations. Error is commonly used to replace mistake, malfunction, problem Failure is a strong word meaning you did not meet the standard, were not up to par or on the general passing goal. You had some failures in life is like saying you were not meeting th General standards of what a person should have been living like. Defect is something like an abnormality, or something that causes something not to work properly. Usually it's used with machinery or some sort of problem solving. There has been a defect in your device and it will now restart. - a problem causing it to cease regular/proper functions

computers have errors, calculations have errors. machines fail, processes fail devices can be defective products can have defects. really a lot of the use is idiomatic. Saying something is "broken" is a great way to say, "something doesn't work" or is "out of order".

I'd like to say something is broken(out of work?). I'm confusing what can I say... I'd like to say something is broken ( out of order). I'm confused about how to say this. I'm confused, what can I say?