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

Over the past decade, despite relentless warnings about dysfunction and decline, businesses continued to earn money. —Steve Booren, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026

The main issue facing Tarrant County is partisan dysfunction, preventing us from addressing critical needs. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Without prioritizing muscle health that helps combat the metabolic effects of lower estrogen, women are more prone to metabolic dysfunction. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

The White House directed the changes to overcome dysfunction at the agency that had been attributed, in part, to poor management, the person said. —Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 13 Feb. 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