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

The Kims, a family struggling to make ends meet, set their scheming sights on the Parks, a well-to-do family with plenty of problems of their own, but also plenty of money to muffle their dysfunction. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2024

Some of the potential adverse reactions have included renal dysfunction, lower leg compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, liver injury, atrial fibrillation, and hepatitis. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Oct. 2024

Burrowing in rodents: a sensitive method for detecting behavioral dysfunction Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

In fact, the GLP-1 phenomenon is making the fragmentation and dysfunction of our health care system even more apparent. —Owen Tripp, Fortune, 23 Oct. 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