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

Thirst Dry mouth Mild fatigue Light-headedness or dizziness Muscle cramps Irritability Confusion Lethargy Urine that is dark yellow or amber-colored Dehydration results in an imbalance between fluid intake and losses, leading to electrolyte disturbances and multiple bodily dysfunctions. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2025

There’s always going to be a perverse thrill to seeing real-life couples perform a relationship onscreen — better yet when that fictional iteration is mired in dysfunction. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 31 July 2025

Many left their homes in search of better opportunities due to systemic dysfunction and still carry a sense of distrust. —Oludolapo Makinde, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

But the entire leadership team is vital to success, and any dysfunction is often overlooked. —Harvard Business Review, 30 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