dysfunction

noun

dys·func·tion (ˌ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən

variants or less commonly disfunction

Synonyms of dysfunction

: impaired or abnormal functioning

gastrointestinal dysfunction

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Chronic exposure to lead has been tied to kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairment. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Oct. 2026 For women already managing pelvic floor dysfunction or other pelvic pain conditions, hormonal shifts can intensify existing symptoms, Huddleston said. — Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 Nervous system dysregulation plus postural problems lead to a whole suite of dysfunctions, Issagholyan explained. — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 This leads to rapid muscle weakness, sensory loss, pain, and bladder and bowel dysfunction, according to the Cleveland Clinic medical center. — Rod McGuirk, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dysfunction

Word History

Etymology

dys- + function entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of dysfunction was circa 1916

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

dysfluency

dysfunction

dysfunctional

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dysfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysfunction. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dysfunction

noun

dys·func·tion dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən

: impaired or abnormal functioning

liver dysfunction

dysfunctional

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

dysfunction

noun

dys·func·tion

variants also disfunction

(ˈ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-shən

: impaired or abnormal functioning (as of an organ of the body)

dysfunctional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl

adjective

dysfunctioning

-shə-niŋ

noun

dysfunction

noun

Examples of dysfunction in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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dysfunction

noun

Examples of dysfunction in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing dysfunction

Rhymes for dysfunction

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on dysfunction

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