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
In a time of deep partisanship, back-stabbing, dysfunction, and slim margins in Congress, Republican women have turned to each other for support both personally and legislatively.
—
Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2025
Breer was taking in questions from fans for his mailbag on Sports Illustrated when he was asked about the dysfunction with the Ravens.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Athletes who have leaked in the past, even after resolution, are nine times more likely to experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction later in life, according to a 2010 study, so there is a degree of future-proofing at play, too.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
They've been shown in studies to be associated with tissue stiffness, inflammation and cellular dysfunction.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2025
Breer was taking in questions from fans for his mailbag on Sports Illustrated when he was asked about the dysfunction with the Ravens.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Athletes who have leaked in the past, even after resolution, are nine times more likely to experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction later in life, according to a 2010 study, so there is a degree of future-proofing at play, too.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
They've been shown in studies to be associated with tissue stiffness, inflammation and cellular dysfunction.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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) see minimal brain dysfunction
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