Dysfunction Meaning
/dɪsˈfʌŋk.ʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA 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.
verbTo fail to function correctly; to malfunction.
Sentence Examples
Tom suffers from erectile dysfunction.
Viagra's impacts on erectile dysfunction were an unexpected — and lucrative — surprise.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The team's communication ____ led to many unexpected project delays.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tom suffers from erectile ____.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dews-? Proto-Indo-European *dus- Proto-Hellenic *dus- Ancient Greek δῠσ- (dŭs-)der. New Latin dys-der. English dys- Old French fonction Middle French functionbor. English function English dysfunction From dys- + function.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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)."
— 2004, Johnny D. Hoskins, Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, →ISBN, page 358:
"We next consider the cognification of interpersonal dysfunctions in treating clinical depression."
— 2005, Dwight Evans, Dennis S. Charney, Lydia Lewis, The Physician’s Guide to Depression and Bipolar Disorders, →ISBN, page 69:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The team's communication ____ led to many unexpected project delays.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tom suffers from erectile ____.