ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dysfunctional

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪsˈfəŋkʃənəɫ// UK //dɪsfˈʌŋkʃənəl// dys·func·tion·al

adj. not working the way it should. You use this to describe a group, like a family or a machine, that has serious problems and does not act normally.

adj. deviating from normal or healthy functioning; failing to perform an expected role or social purpose. Often describes interpersonal relationships or organizational systems characterized by conflict or inefficiency.


SIMPLE

The old printer is completely dysfunctional and needs replacing.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee became dysfunctional because the members refused to listen to each other's ideas.

COMPLEX

Sociologists argue that dysfunctional institutions often arise when the internal incentives for individuals no longer align with the broader mission of the organization itself.

Synonyms
Origin

From dysfunction + -al.

Usage

Commonly used both for mechanical systems and social units like families or governments.

© 2026 English Reference