dis·func·tion
less common spelling of dysfunction
1
: impaired or abnormal functioning
gastrointestinal dysfunction
2
: abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction within a group
family dysfunction
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 disfunction in a Sentence
Noun (2)
The disease causes gastrointestinal dysfunctions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
19 Nov. 2025
Both Ashworth and Mitchell struggled to adjust to Howe’s existing strong power base, and having joined with huge reputations, egos may have played a big part in the disfunction.
—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
3 July 2026
At the same time, new paradigms and technologies have emerged to challenge the dysfunction of the incumbent model.
—
Gary Palmer,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for disfunction
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Noun
This kind of disorder and disfunction are common occurrences when dealing with Federal Law Enforcement.
—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
19 Nov. 2025
Both Ashworth and Mitchell struggled to adjust to Howe’s existing strong power base, and having joined with huge reputations, egos may have played a big part in the disfunction.
—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
Although Jones takes responsibility for the hurt and dysfunction his compulsive tomcatting caused, the legendary lothario details his conquests with barely disguised glee.
—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
3 July 2026
At the same time, new paradigms and technologies have emerged to challenge the dysfunction of the incumbent model.
—
Gary Palmer,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for disfunction
Cite this Entry
“Disfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disfunction. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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