dysfunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dysfunction' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which something, usually an organization or system, does not work as it should or is not as effective as it should be. For example: "The dysfunction in the workplace led to a decrease in productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That suggests a profound dysfunction in the labour market, the education system or the benefits safety net – or all three.

The Guardian

The horsemeat disgrace exposed a systemic dysfunction in capitalism: the abuse of suppliers by all-powerful supermarkets resulting in dinners that families couldn't trust.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are as many stories of new wealth and emergent middle classes in Africa as there are of civic dysfunction.

The Guardian

Next, the voiceover guy tells us: "We can no longer afford the continuing dysfunction of opposing partisan rancor.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We want to see how circuits change in diseases," says Boyden, "because this might help us to understand brain disorders at the circuit level, and bridge the gap between molecular psychiatry and neural circuit dysfunction".

The Guardian

An executive for Kimberly-Clark, the owner of Kotex, notes that US TV networks have no such compunction about references to "erectile dysfunction" in prime-time ads for Viagra and Ciallis.

The Guardian

In dialogue, whether for peace of mind or otherwise, we must stop rendering our social dysfunction invisible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alluding to dysfunction in policymaking is a more insidious rebuke than recusal from a single policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He does not even know if he has a physical dysfunction or if it has some link with his permanently arguing and sexually disharmonic parents.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The dysfunction that crippled financial markets during the global crisis highlighted the importance of liquidity in government bond markets.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was an era marked by economic dysfunction, lawlessness, rampant corruption and a ruinous war in the southern territory of Chechnya.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dysfunction", clearly specify the system, organ, or entity that is not functioning correctly to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "organizational dysfunction" rather than simply "dysfunction".

Common error

Avoid using "dysfunction" without specifying the context. Saying "there is dysfunction" lacks clarity. Instead, provide details about what is not working as expected, such as "there is a dysfunction in the team's communication processes".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dysfunction" is as a noun, referring to the state of impaired or abnormal functioning. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across different domains, describing issues in labor markets, political systems, and even bodily organs. As Ludwig AI notes, it describes something that is not working as it should.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dysfunction" functions primarily as a noun used to describe a state where something is not operating correctly, and as Ludwig AI states, does not work as it should. Its usage spans across various contexts, from formal business settings to news reports and scientific publications. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to provide context to what exactly is suffering from "dysfunction". The analysis shows that it is a very common term. By specifying the affected system or process, writers can ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity, such as "organizational dysfunction" instead of simply "dysfunction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impaired function

Highlights the reduction in capability or effectiveness.

functional disorder

Highlights a disturbance in the regular actions of something.

malfunctioning

Focuses on the incorrect operation of something, similar to dysfunction but often used for mechanical or electronic systems.

abnormal functioning

Indicates that something is not working in a typical or expected manner.

breakdown

A general term indicating a cessation of proper functioning.

operational failure

Specifically refers to a breakdown in the ability to perform required actions.

systemic breakdown

Suggests a failure across an entire organization or system.

failure to operate

Emphasizes the complete cessation of functionality.

non-performance

Emphasizes a lack of expected activity or results.

state of disrepair

Describes something that has fallen into a condition of not working properly.

FAQs

How can I use "dysfunction" in a sentence?

You can use "dysfunction" to describe a situation where something isn't working as it should. For example, "The political system is experiencing severe "dysfunction"".

What are some synonyms for "dysfunction"?

Alternatives to "dysfunction" include "malfunctioning", "failure to operate", or "impaired function", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as showing "dysfunction"?

Yes, the term "dysfunction" generally carries a negative connotation, indicating that something is not working correctly or is impaired in some way.

What kind of "dysfunction" are there?

There are different types of "dysfunction", including "organizational dysfunction", "political dysfunction", or "sexual dysfunction". The meaning depends on the subject in question.