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

When no one is held accountable, dysfunction becomes the norm. —Maren Perry, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Micro-Walks Also Help Support Health Goals A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weaker muscles, hormonal imbalances, immune system dysfunction, and inflammation. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

Contemporary American politics is a study in dysfunction and partisanship, but the aftermath of the Western Maryland floods reminds us that hope for a better future isn’t lost. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025

If The Iron Claw chronicled the dysfunction and anguish of a wrestling-mad family, Fighting captured the warmth and joy. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025

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

Rhymes for dysfunction

• adjunction
• compunction
• conjunction
• disjunction
• injunction
• inunction
• malfunction
• eigenfunction
• multifunction
• function
• junction
• unction

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