dysfunction

noun

dys·​func·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
variants or less commonly disfunction
Synonyms of dysfunction
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More than anything else, Murray said, general governmental dysfunction, including turnover among staff members involved in the negotiations, contributed to those delays. — Sofi Zeman july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Wahab, who has made addressing these failures a legislative priority, said the case reflects a broader pattern of dysfunction. — Maddie White, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Sleep debt, chronic stress, and metabolic dysfunction not only sap energy but also distort the accuracy of perception. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The increase in immigration arrests is leading to a strain on capacity not just at detention sites but also at processing facilities like the one in Miramar, causing dysfunction and rapidly deteriorating conditions. — Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dysfunction

Word History

Etymology

dys- + function entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysfunction was circa 1916

Phrases Containing dysfunction

Rhymes for dysfunction

See All Rhymes for dysfunction

Browse Nearby Words

dysfluency
dysfunction
dysfunctional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dysfunction

noun
dys·​func·​tion dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
: impaired or abnormal functioning
liver dysfunction
dysfunctional
-shnəl How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

dysfunction

noun
dys·​func·​tion
variants also disfunction
(ˈ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
: impaired or abnormal functioning (as of an organ of the body)
dysfunctional
-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
adjective
dysfunctioning
-shə-niŋ How to pronounce dysfunction (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dysfunction

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dysfunction

Nglish: Translation of dysfunction for Spanish Speakers

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