dysfunction

noun

dys·​func·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of these challenges is something called executive dysfunction. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025 For adults, chronic lead exposure is linked with kidney dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects, the FDA said. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 Adductor dysfunction — whether from weakness or tightness — can create problems that extend far beyond your inner thighs. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 In Denver, entering 2025’s Week 4, there’s been too much stop-and-start dysfunction. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dysfunction

Word History

Etymology

dys- + function entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysfunction was circa 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dysfunction

noun
dys·​func·​tion dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
: impaired or abnormal functioning
liver dysfunction
dysfunctional
-shnəl How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

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
dysfunctional adjective
dysfunctioning noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dysfunction

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