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

There was an empty reservoir in Los Angeles County, overgrown state forests, under-resourced fire departments, mismanaged water and political dysfunction — a steady stream of evidence that the state and the county had failed to guard against a wildfire with the same rigor as the Vogts had. —Eli Saslow, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

Confirmation hearings:Trump’s Cabinet raises concerns about government dysfunction Pence and conservative group have opposed Kennedy Jr. before The AAF's letter represents Pence and his organization's second attempt to prevent Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Relationships should be easy, the thinking goes, and any hint of conflict is a sign of dysfunction. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025

The measure died in the Senate amid that chamber’s dysfunction, but virtually identical bills have been introduced for the 2025 session, which began last week. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 14 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