Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Dysfunction has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
(medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group
"erectile dysfunction"
"sexual relationship dysfunction"
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.
"The team's chronic infighting led to severe organizational dysfunction that prevented them from completing their project on time."
In plain English: Dysfunction is when something that should work properly isn't working right and causes problems instead of helping things run smoothly.
"The family dysfunction became obvious when they stopped speaking to each other at dinner."
Usage: Dysfunction typically describes the inability of a specific body part, such as an organ or system, to perform its normal role effectively. Use this term for medical malfunctions rather than general behavioral problems in social groups.
To fail to function correctly; to malfunction.
"The old car began to sputter and emit smoke, a clear sign of engine dysfunction."
In plain English: To dysfunction means to stop working properly because of internal problems that make everything fail together.
"The broken sensor dysfunctioned until someone replaced it with a new part."
The word dysfunction is formed from the prefix dys- and the root function. It entered English to describe a failure or disorder of functioning rather than just being composed of those parts.