dysfunction — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A failure to function in an expected or complete manner. Usually refers to a disorder in a bodily organ (e.g. erectile dysfunction), a mental disorder, or the improper behavior of a social group.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Antonyms

   eufunctionfunction

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Cerebellar dysfunction is characterized by truncal ataxia, a broad-based stance, dysmetria in which the limbs either overstep (hypermetria) or understep (hypometria), and tremor that is most pronounced when the animal attempts a goal-orientated movement (intention tremor).

   We next consider the cognification of interpersonal dysfunctions in treating clinical depression.

   If you’ve just started taking an antidepressant within the last few weeks, a doctor might suggest you wait to see if dysfunction resolves as your body adjusts.

Verb

1. To fail to function correctly; to malfunction.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • nonstandard

Noun

1. (medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group

   Synonyms

   disfunction

   Broader terms

   pathology

   Examples

   erectile dysfunction

   sexual relationship dysfunction