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

Government dysfunction will likely last well into the new year, entrenching the country’s economic and social problems. —Victor Cha, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024

Even top industry executives acknowledge this systemic dysfunction – to a point. —Maria Aspan, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s disease, linked to gland and organ dysfunction, are examples of prevalent rheumatic diseases. —Johnson & Johnson, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

While the exact causes of IBS are not fully understood, factors like gut microbiota imbalances, immune dysfunction, and genetics likely play a role. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 15 Dec. 2024

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