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
This can lead to a range of health challenges, including developmental delays, organ dysfunction, and severe disabilities.
—
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The torn Achilles tendon spoiled plans last season, and all kinds of calamity, dysfunction and poor play from Rodgers and many of his teammates have doomed the Jets to yet another double-digit loss campaign — New York’s fifth straight and 10th in the last 13 seasons.
—Mike Jones, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Neither did Schoen’s poor personnel moves and underwhelming draft picks — or Daboll’s 2023 coaching staff dysfunction and numerous game management flaws.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025
This mindset can manifest as decreased effort and commitment in their own relationships, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of dysfunction.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dysfunction 
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Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
The torn Achilles tendon spoiled plans last season, and all kinds of calamity, dysfunction and poor play from Rodgers and many of his teammates have doomed the Jets to yet another double-digit loss campaign — New York’s fifth straight and 10th in the last 13 seasons.
—Mike Jones, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Neither did Schoen’s poor personnel moves and underwhelming draft picks — or Daboll’s 2023 coaching staff dysfunction and numerous game management flaws.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025
This mindset can manifest as decreased effort and commitment in their own relationships, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of dysfunction.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Jan. 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 18 Jan. 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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