dysfunction

[ dis-fuhngk-shuhn ]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. malfunctioning, as of an organ or structure of the body.
2. any malfunctioning part or element:

   the dysfunctions of the country's economy.

3. Sociology. a consequence of a social practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of a social system.

dysfunction

/ dɪsˈfʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. med any disturbance or abnormality in the function of an organ or part
2. (esp of a family) failure to show the characteristics or fulfil the purposes accepted as normal or beneficial

Other Words From

• dys·function·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysfunction¹

First recorded in 1915–20; dys- + function

Example Sentences

We've seen this play out in the GOP-controlled House, which has been reduced to dysfunction and inaction, felled by in-fighting.

From Salon

“Those are signs of dysfunction.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It really is more about frustration with dysfunction.”

From Los Angeles Times

The little-known former Long Beach police chief came out of retirement to run for sheriff two years ago, positioning himself as the calm antidote to what he once described as the “dysfunction and chaos” of his predecessor, Alex Villanueva.

From Los Angeles Times

But a far more common suggestion is that it results from inbuilt political dysfunction.

From BBC