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
When glutes are weak or underactive, other muscles take over in ways they aren’t meant to, which often leads to discomfort, dysfunction and even injury.
—
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Other nations, witnessing the back-and-forth and the dysfunction, have already moved towards a strategic stepping back from the United States on trade.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
The dysfunction at the correctional facility dates back generations.
—Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 28 May 2025
Changes in nail texture may reflect nutritional deficiencies—including low levels of iron, biotin, zinc, magnesium, or vitamin B12—or systemic illnesses such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or liver and kidney dysfunction.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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Dana Santas, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Other nations, witnessing the back-and-forth and the dysfunction, have already moved towards a strategic stepping back from the United States on trade.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
The dysfunction at the correctional facility dates back generations.
—Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 28 May 2025
Changes in nail texture may reflect nutritional deficiencies—including low levels of iron, biotin, zinc, magnesium, or vitamin B12—or systemic illnesses such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or liver and kidney dysfunction.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 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 3 Jun. 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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