Word
dysfunction
Phoneticsdys·func·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈfəŋkʃən/
UK/dɪsfˈʌŋkʃən/
Definitions
01medical/biological
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a problem that stops a part of your body from working the way it should.
n. impaired or abnormal functioning of a bodily organ or system.
“The doctor explained that the patient's liver dysfunction was caused by a long-term illness.”
“Clinical studies suggest that chronic kidney dysfunction can lead to a cascade of secondary complications if not managed through rigorous dietary intervention.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in medical contexts.
Synonyms
02social/family
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. unhealthy or harmful behavior within a group, especially a family.
n. the failure of a social group or family unit to function responsibly or provide a healthy environment.
“The movie explores the dysfunction in a family that refuses to talk about its problems.”
“Sociologists argue that systemic dysfunction within the local government contributed to the collapse of the urban renewal project.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe interpersonal dynamics in psychology and sociology.
Synonyms
03to fail to work
C1 · Advanced Informal
v. to stop working correctly or to behave in a way that is not normal.
v. to fail to function in the intended or expected manner. This verbal use is less common than the noun form.
“The old computer started to dysfunction after the new software was installed.”
“When the cooling system began to dysfunction, the engineers were forced to initiate an emergency shutdown of the entire server rack.”
Teaching tip
While 'dysfunction' is widely accepted as a noun, using it as a verb is often considered non-standard; 'malfunction' is usually preferred in formal writing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Most of us come upon our family’s dysfunctions gradually, like a door that opens a little wider each year.” “This finding suggests that NMDAR dysfunction may still be treatable after major stages of brain development are complete.” Etymology
From dys- + function.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/dysfunction