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

What Slowing Biological Aging Might Look Like As biological age advances, Espeland says, adults can develop decreased muscle and bone health, metabolic dysfunction, decreased reaction times, and issues with memory and reasoning. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Mar. 2026

In this case, this distance from the family might offer relief, and freedom from potential dysfunction. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 7 Mar. 2026

The question came after news reports alleged the two had engaged in a romantic relationship and that the dynamic has fueled dysfunction within the agency. —Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

That might not sound exciting considering how poorly that season went in Carolina, though there was a lot of internal dysfunction tied to ownership among other issues. —Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 2 Mar. 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