Dysfunction

/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
abnormal or impaired functioning, especially of a bodily system or organ.
The patient was diagnosed with cardiac dysfunction, which explained his symptoms.
social behavior that is abnormal or impaired, often in a family or relationship context.
The family's constant arguments indicated severe dysfunction in their communication.
a disruption in the normal functioning of a system or process.
The software experienced a temporary dysfunction that caused it to crash unexpectedly.

Etymology

The word dysfunction comes from the prefix 'dys-' meaning 'bad, difficult' and 'function' meaning 'the specific activity or role of something'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

family dysfunction:
Impaired relationships or interactions among family members.
sexual dysfunction:
Difficulty in sexual functioning or performance.
dysfunctional behavior:
Actions that deviate from healthy or appropriate patterns.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Dysfunctional Family
The Smiths are such a dysfunctional family; they're always arguing.
Dysfunction Junction
He called his workplace 'Dysfunction Junction' due to all the chaos.