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
Conversely, teams plagued by dysfunction, conflict, and constant disagreements drive people to disengage and contribute less.
—
Jack Zenger, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to kidney dysfunction, increasing magnesium loss through urine, as well as phosphate depletion and vitamin D deficiency.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Sharpshooting swingman Duncan Robinson is on the shelf due to left sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
This sort of soft, clannish corruption is not a coat of paint that can be stripped from the protectionist architecture; the dysfunction infests the very foundations of it.
—David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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Jack Zenger, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to kidney dysfunction, increasing magnesium loss through urine, as well as phosphate depletion and vitamin D deficiency.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Sharpshooting swingman Duncan Robinson is on the shelf due to left sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
This sort of soft, clannish corruption is not a coat of paint that can be stripped from the protectionist architecture; the dysfunction infests the very foundations of it.
—David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
Cite this Entry
“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dysfunction
noun
dys·func·tion
dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən
: impaired or abnormal functioning
liver dysfunction
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
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