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

Some of the most common and costly symptoms of long Covid — ones that can really impact function and are difficult to manage — include chronic fatigue, post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PEM), post-Covid cognitive impairment (PCCI), and autonomic dysfunction. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 6 June 2024

But this year’s crisis has also exposed the increasing dysfunction of India’s national governance, with states often stuck in political battles with one another or with the central government. —Sameer Yasir Saumya Khandelwal, New York Times, 3 June 2024

Pelvic floor dysfunction increases the risk of infections and incontinence (a strong urge to urinate).1 Research has shown that people often worry about the cleanliness of public restrooms and how using them could affect health. —Sarah Klein, Health, 1 June 2024

And at the economy level, planning dysfunctions produce both excess and scarcity. —Daniel Pellathy, The Conversation, 31 May 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