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.
The claim that mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in mental health disorders as well as physical ones is surprising to many people. — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 These toxins accumulate in crops, livestock, and human tissue, where exposure has been linked to kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune dysfunction, and developmental delays. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 In fact, as Rodriguez explained, Salazar’s turnabout had seemed to spark a fund-raising windfall for his campaign from national donors, who saw the dysfunction as a sign that the seat was potentially flippable. — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026 That’s counterintuitive, Blom believes, because news coverage of Europe tends to focus on its various dysfunctions. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 15 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

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