noun Uncommon

dysfunction

dihs-FUHNGK-shuhn

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Dysfunction (noun) means a failure to work properly, especially in an organ, relationship, or system. Example: “The therapist helped the family address years of dysfunction.”

noun

A failure to work properly, especially in an organ, relationship, or system.

"The therapist helped the family address years of dysfunction."

"Erectile dysfunction is a common medical complaint."

How to use dysfunction

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething — a body part, a relationship, an organisation — not working the way it should.

Common pairings

sexual dysfunction family dysfunction organ dysfunction

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: dysfunctions
Third person singular: dysfunctions
Past tense: dysfunctioned

Test yourself on “dysfunction” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The therapist helped the family address years of _____.

Etymology

Built from the prefix "dys-" (bad, abnormal) attached to "function".

Synonyms

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disfunction

Antonyms

function

Related words

go work use part party act office role

Rhymes for dysfunction

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for dysfunction →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dysfunction” mean?

The word “dysfunction” means a failure to work properly, especially in an organ, relationship, or system. In plain terms, something — a body part, a relationship, an organisation — not working the way it should.

How do you pronounce “dysfunction”?

“Dysfunction” is pronounced dihs-FUHNGK-shuhn (/dɪsˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “dysfunction” in a sentence?

Here is “dysfunction” used in a sentence: “The therapist helped the family address years of dysfunction.”

What part of speech is “dysfunction”?

“Dysfunction” is a noun.

Is “dysfunction” a common word?

“Dysfunction” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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go work use part party act office role