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
One measure of the dysfunction is rising economic inequality.
—
Michael Posner, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
In an interview with Variety from 2023, a third-generation rancher from Idaho, Jesse Jarvis, highlights the familial dysfunction as one of the most realistic elements of the show.
—Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
The most common causes of death for hamsters are respiratory or digestive system infections, cancer, organ dysfunction and metabolic disease, says Greenstein.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
Some causes of bradycardia may require more intensive intervention, especially if they are caused by dysfunction of the heart's electrical pathways.
—Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dysfunction 
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Michael Posner, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
In an interview with Variety from 2023, a third-generation rancher from Idaho, Jesse Jarvis, highlights the familial dysfunction as one of the most realistic elements of the show.
—Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
The most common causes of death for hamsters are respiratory or digestive system infections, cancer, organ dysfunction and metabolic disease, says Greenstein.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024
Some causes of bradycardia may require more intensive intervention, especially if they are caused by dysfunction of the heart's electrical pathways.
—Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dysfunction
Cite this Entry
“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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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