dysfunction

American  

[dis-fuhngk-shuhn] / dɪsˈfʌŋk ʃən /

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 British  

/ 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 Word Forms

• dysfunctional adjective

Etymology

Origin of dysfunction

First recorded in 1915–20; dys- + function

Example Sentences

It is what happens when you stop rewarding dysfunction and start recognizing good behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our findings offer critical insights into the progression of cerebellar dysfunction in MS," Tiwari-Woodruff said.

From Science Daily

OpenAI’s app strategy, launched this fall, is reminiscent of the early days of ChatGPT: An occasional wow moment surrounded by dysfunction, according to Wall Street Journal tests.

From The Wall Street Journal

The guidelines further separate obesity into preclinical and clinical forms, with clinical obesity defined by obesity-related physical impairment or organ dysfunction.

From Science Daily

Or maybe we’ll plumb new depths of dysfunction in the coming year.

From Salon