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
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
The Dallas Cowboys had descended from a dynasty into dysfunction, and Izell Reese’s introduction to the NFL came at one of that era’s ugliest moments.
—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Once in the body, it's designed to reprogram the pathways that lead to immune dysfunction.
—
New Atlas,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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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
The Dallas Cowboys had descended from a dynasty into dysfunction, and Izell Reese’s introduction to the NFL came at one of that era’s ugliest moments.
—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Once in the body, it's designed to reprogram the pathways that lead to immune dysfunction.
—
New Atlas,
2 July 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 5 Jul. 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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