dysfunctional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dysfunctional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not operating normally or effectively, often in the context of relationships, systems, or organizations. Example: "The team's communication was so poor that it led to a dysfunctional work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What the duration of this recession surely shows is how dysfunctional the three interlocking pillars of British capitalism have become.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apart from the dysfunctional escalator at the Grant Road skywalk, there is no alternative to the 10 metres of stairs up to the platform, which makes it very difficult for senior citizens or those with disabilities to use them.

The Guardian

Moreover, anything that does not promote competitiveness, selfishness and greed is seen as dysfunctional.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film turns him from the engaging, often witty and openly gay man he really was into a socially dysfunctional recluse, unable to understand jokes and shamed by his own sexuality.

The Guardian - Film

But cracks are appearing in this strategy, and Carr should be congratulated for slamming the groups and power centres that aim to continue this dysfunctional alliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Al-Madinah free school's Ofsted report labelled it "dysfunctional" and inadequate in every category.

The Guardian

The phone was never examined by the Metropolitan police investigating the murder of Kassahun, nor by Hallam's own defence team, nor raised as an issue by him – which Lady Justice Hallett blamed on his own "faulty recollection and dysfunctional lifestyle".

The Guardian

Our dysfunctional land market is one of the key barriers to house building, so I'm delighted to see proposals to tackle land banking such as charging council tax on undeveloped land and shortening the time before a planning permission expires.

The Guardian

"We need to fix our dysfunctional political system and get unaccountable money out of it once and for all – even if that takes a constitutional amendment," she said.

The Guardian

Clinton used a visit to an Iowa college – her first scheduled appearance as a candidate – to say that reforming a "dysfunctional" system of US political funding would be one of four pillars in her run for the White House.

The Guardian

In the words of the colleagues who know him best he is a selfish, dysfunctional, egomaniacal, saboteur.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or organizations, use "dysfunctional" to highlight systemic issues that prevent effective operation. For instance: "The company suffered due to a "dysfunctional" management structure."

Common error

While "dysfunctional" is widely applicable, consider using less formal alternatives like "messy" or "unorganized" when describing casual situations or personal relationships unless emphasizing a severe impairment.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "dysfunctional" primarily functions to describe something that is not performing its intended function or is operating abnormally. Ludwig, as indicated by the examples, confirms its prevalent use in diverse contexts, ranging from political systems to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "dysfunctional" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe something not operating as it should. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in contexts such as news, media, and formal business communications. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the situation, opting for less severe alternatives in casual settings. Key synonyms include "malfunctioning" and "ineffective". Understanding its implications ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malfunctioning

Focuses on the failure of a system or component to operate correctly.

ineffective

Highlights the lack of desired outcome or result.

impaired

Indicates a reduced ability to function normally.

deficient

Indicates a lack of necessary qualities or elements to function properly.

non-functional

Emphasizes the complete lack of ability to perform its intended purpose.

flawed

Points to imperfections or defects that hinder performance.

out of order

Suggests a temporary state of being unable to operate, often used for mechanical systems.

unsound

Suggests instability or unreliability in function.

broken

Implies damage or irreparable failure.

disordered

Implies a lack of proper arrangement or regulation, leading to impaired function.

FAQs

How can I use "dysfunctional" in a sentence?

You can use "dysfunctional" to describe something not working properly. For example, "The "dysfunctional" government was unable to pass any legislation."

What are some alternatives to using "dysfunctional"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "malfunctioning", "ineffective", or "impaired".

Which is correct: "dysfunctional system" or "non-functional system"?

"Dysfunctional system" implies the system is not operating normally but still exists, while "non-functional system" suggests the system has completely ceased to work or never worked at all. The choice depends on the specific situation.

What is the difference between "dysfunctional" and "flawed"?

"Dysfunctional" describes something not performing its proper function, whereas "flawed" indicates the presence of imperfections or defects that hinder performance. A "flawed" system might still be functional to some degree.