dysfunction

[dis-fuhngk-shuhn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Medicine/Medical.��malfunctioning, as of an organ or structure of the body.
any malfunctioning part or element.
the dysfunctions of the country's economy.
Sociology.��a consequence of a social practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of a social system.

dysfunction

/ ��ɪ��ˈ��ʌŋ��ʃə�� /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

dysfunctional adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dysfunction¹

First recorded in 1915–20; dys- + function

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Mild marital dysfunction is at least relatable, if the sustained popularity of “The Four Seasons” can be counted as a sign.

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Dear Liz: There is a lot of dysfunction and drama in my family so in my will, I’ve named a friend to be my executor.

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True, the Israeli-Palestinian problem remains unresolved, as do the challenges emanating from Iran’s much-advanced nuclear program and the instability and dysfunction in Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Yemen.

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But “Bug Hollow” is not another novel about family dysfunction, secrets and lies.

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But estrangement can also make space for cultivating more nurturing relationships, breaking cycles of dysfunction and modeling healthier dynamics for our kids.

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dysfluency dysfunctional

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