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
Their egos hurt, many of these frustrated, self-indulgent stars lashed out, turning the Yankees into a laughingstock of infighting, dysfunction, and needless drama amidst a championship drought of more than a decade.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
This raises the possibility of cardiotoxic effects, like low blood pressure and cardiovascular collapse, as well as neurological toxicity, such as muscle weakness or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate and breathing.
—ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
Our response as citizens cannot mirror the dysfunction at the top.
—Nick Allardice, Time, 10 July 2025
This may not even look like dysfunction on the surface.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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.
Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
This raises the possibility of cardiotoxic effects, like low blood pressure and cardiovascular collapse, as well as neurological toxicity, such as muscle weakness or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate and breathing.
—ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
Our response as citizens cannot mirror the dysfunction at the top.
—Nick Allardice, Time, 10 July 2025
This may not even look like dysfunction on the surface.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 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 21 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share