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
And while the Georg-Speyer-Haus researchers have focused on UA for cancer treatment, this trial shows that benefits extend far beyond that – and could be particularly useful for slowing middle-age cellular dysfunction.
—
New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025
Like Representative Greene, some will sit down on a train in the coming weeks for the first time in a long time, look out the window, and remember that our country, despite its current acute dysfunction, is remarkably beautiful, a pleasure to see from a new angle.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 15 Nov. 2025
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in both men and women include frequent urination, constipation, urinary and fecal incontinence, painful urination, and low back pain.
—Sara Braun, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025
Light was struck by how many interpret Rumours not as a chronicle of collapse, but as a testament to survival — proof that love can coexist with heartbreak, and that even in the midst of dysfunction, great art can thrive.
—Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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New Atlas, 16 Nov. 2025
Like Representative Greene, some will sit down on a train in the coming weeks for the first time in a long time, look out the window, and remember that our country, despite its current acute dysfunction, is remarkably beautiful, a pleasure to see from a new angle.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 15 Nov. 2025
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in both men and women include frequent urination, constipation, urinary and fecal incontinence, painful urination, and low back pain.
—Sara Braun, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025
Light was struck by how many interpret Rumours not as a chronicle of collapse, but as a testament to survival — proof that love can coexist with heartbreak, and that even in the midst of dysfunction, great art can thrive.
—Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 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)
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