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
For the second straight year, their dysfunction and lack of quality control has become one of the top stories of NFL Draft weekend.
—
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025
Another lead researcher, Taylor Kelty, a postdoctoral fellow in Rector’s lab, noted that previous research has begun to show the link between severe liver dysfunction and a high risk of dementia.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
In South San Antonio, state education officials said years of dysfunction and poor governance had resulted in poor student performance and public distrust.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025
Yet the parties that surround the dinner over the past several days have in many ways carried on as usual, as attendees seemed to want a break from the dysfunction and a return to the status quo, if just for one weekend with the help of trendy outfits and high-end appetizers.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025
Another lead researcher, Taylor Kelty, a postdoctoral fellow in Rector’s lab, noted that previous research has begun to show the link between severe liver dysfunction and a high risk of dementia.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
In South San Antonio, state education officials said years of dysfunction and poor governance had resulted in poor student performance and public distrust.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025
Yet the parties that surround the dinner over the past several days have in many ways carried on as usual, as attendees seemed to want a break from the dysfunction and a return to the status quo, if just for one weekend with the help of trendy outfits and high-end appetizers.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
Cite this Entry
“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dysfunction
noun
dys·func·tion
dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən
: impaired or abnormal functioning
liver dysfunction
Medical Definition
dysfunction
noun
dys·func·tion
variants
also disfunction
: impaired or abnormal functioning (as of an organ of the body) see minimal brain dysfunction
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