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

Naturally, there's plenty of dysfunction as confessions are made, a turkey is flung across the table, a football game leads to a fistfight, and Claudia tries to maintain her sanity. —Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025

She was severely malnourished with respiratory failure, cardiac dysfunction, severe acute hepatitis and pancreatitis. —Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Chronic insomnia is already known to be related to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction and issues with memory, learning and mental health. —Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 19 Nov. 2025

Is constant availability a sign of dedication or dysfunction? —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 18 Nov. 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)

dysfunctional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

dysfunctioning

-shə-niŋ 

noun