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
Scientists already know that extreme heat increases the risk of heat stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction and even death.
—
Eunyoung Choi, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Together, the research team suggests these two factors may be contributing to the ailments and immune dysfunction many astronauts experience on the job.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
The two most influential countries in continental Europe — France and Germany — have been mired in political dysfunction for months and gripped by the rise of Kremlin-friendly far-right parties, now enjoying the backing of both Russian and American officials.
—Paul Sonne, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Sam Nivola, who plays Lochlan Ratliff, was also seen wearing the reptile dysfunction button-up short sleeve shirt in the first episode of Season Three.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dysfunction
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Eunyoung Choi, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Together, the research team suggests these two factors may be contributing to the ailments and immune dysfunction many astronauts experience on the job.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
The two most influential countries in continental Europe — France and Germany — have been mired in political dysfunction for months and gripped by the rise of Kremlin-friendly far-right parties, now enjoying the backing of both Russian and American officials.
—Paul Sonne, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
Sam Nivola, who plays Lochlan Ratliff, was also seen wearing the reptile dysfunction button-up short sleeve shirt in the first episode of Season Three.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 19 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 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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