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

This can calm down blood sugar and insulin spikes, which are both major drivers of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026

Childhood milestones, academic traumas, professional turbulence, emotional flashpoints, expressive behaviors, sensitivities, executive dysfunction and how all of these things impact relationships and day-to-day tasks are all covered in that discussion. —Lucy Jones april 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026

The original article provides a nod toward that, with mentions of metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and an obesogenic environment, but comes to the conclusion that discussing more behavioral changes with patients will solve those problems. —Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026

Economists Mariana Mazzucato and Rosie Collington argue that consultants can, at best, give dubious guidance, and at worst, exacerbate government and private sector dysfunction. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

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)

dysfunctional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

dysfunctioning

-shə-niŋ 

noun