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
The report included multiple claims from sources of dysfunction in his campaign, including that Schlossberg had high staff turnover, regularly skips strategy meetings and disappears for long periods of time with little explanation.
—
Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 18 May 2026
As the disease progresses, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, organ dysfunction and sometimes internal or external bleeding, the WHO said.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 18 May 2026
In fatal cases, the defining biology is profound endothelial dysfunction, capillary leak, pulmonary edema, inflammatory-thrombotic activation, and shock.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Its second, which first aired in 2014, has Valerie confronting the dysfunction of her former workplaces.
—Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 18 May 2026
As the disease progresses, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, organ dysfunction and sometimes internal or external bleeding, the WHO said.
—Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 18 May 2026
In fatal cases, the defining biology is profound endothelial dysfunction, capillary leak, pulmonary edema, inflammatory-thrombotic activation, and shock.
—Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Its second, which first aired in 2014, has Valerie confronting the dysfunction of her former workplaces.
—Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
Cite this Entry
“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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)
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