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

Various knee abnormalities can arise from aging or injury, resulting in pain and dysfunction.

From Science Daily

“It really is more about frustration with dysfunction.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

He finally decided to run last year, he said, after deciding that the dysfunction in Washington was too much to bear.

From Los Angeles Times

That speaks to our country's profound democratic dysfunction, but it isn’t the truly strange part.

From Salon