dysfunction

noun

dys·​func·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 

variants or less commonly disfunction

1

: impaired or abnormal functioning

gastrointestinal dysfunction

2

: abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction within a group

family dysfunction

Examples of dysfunction in a Sentence

The disease causes gastrointestinal dysfunctions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, employees feeling uncomfortable voicing honest opinions and concerns is often a sign of dysfunction, behavior expert Nir Eyal told CNBC Make It in 2023. —Natasha Piñon,megan Sauer, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, billion-dollar corporations take full advantage of this dysfunction. —Chad Albritton, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025

That would add another dimension of dysfunction and call into question Congress's ability to pass any of Trump's agenda with their thin margins. —Hans Nichols, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025

Why Trump’s team is raising concerns about government dysfunction Donald Trump has long praised disrupters in politics. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

dys- + function entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dysfunction

• erectile dysfunction
• minimal brain dysfunction

Kids Definition

dysfunction

noun

dys·​func·​tion dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 

: impaired or abnormal functioning

liver dysfunction

dysfunctional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

dysfunction

noun

dys·​func·​tion

variants also disfunction

(ˈ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən 

: impaired or abnormal functioning (as of an organ of the body) see minimal brain dysfunction

dysfunctional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

dysfunctioning

-shə-niŋ 

noun