dysfunctional government

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'dysfunctional government' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to governments that are failing to carry out their duties adequately, such as: The citizens of this small country have been saddled with a dysfunctional government for too long.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What that leads to is dysfunctional government.

The Guardian

Mexico local risks: dysfunctional government, non-ratification USMCA in US, lowered credit rating.

Cornell University

Overall, authority is still draining away from Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and his dysfunctional government.

Independent

But the only chance of reforming Californian's dysfunctional government lies with a big-bang approach.

The Economist

In this environment of political intransigence, it exemplifies dysfunctional government at its worst.

The New York Times

Eikenberry has a reputation as one of the most clear-eyed critics of Karzai's dysfunctional government.

The New Yorker

The progress of Bosnia, with its dysfunctional government, has been stalled for eight years.

The Economist

And aesthetics were serious business to a dysfunctional government, for which all was show.

The New York Times - Arts

The idea that this dysfunctional government could serve its term until 2013 is troubling.

The New York Times

And Egyptians have a social cohesiveness that allows them to survive despite a deeply dysfunctional government.

The New Yorker

Dysfunctional government has now knocked the economy and jobs out of that top slot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dysfunctional government", provide specific examples to illustrate the nature of the dysfunction. This adds credibility and clarity to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "dysfunctional government" as a general complaint. Always provide concrete examples of policies, actions, or inactions that demonstrate the dysfunction you are describing. Without this, the phrase becomes a vague criticism with limited impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dysfunctional government" functions as a noun phrase, with "dysfunctional" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "government". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, indicating its role in describing a state or system of governance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dysfunctional government" is a commonly used term to describe a government that is not operating effectively or efficiently. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific examples to support the claim of dysfunction, avoiding vague generalizations. While synonyms such as "ineffective governance" or "corrupt regime" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. In essence, "dysfunctional government" serves as a powerful tool for critiquing governmental systems, provided it is used with precision and evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ineffective governance

Focuses more on the lack of positive outcomes and results from the government.

failed state

Implies a complete breakdown of governmental authority and basic functions.

inefficient bureaucracy

Highlights the slow and unproductive nature of the governmental administration.

paralyzed administration

Emphasizes the inability of the government to act or make decisions.

corrupt regime

Focuses on unethical or illegal practices within the government.

incompetent leadership

Highlights the lack of skill or ability of those in power.

poorly managed government

Focuses on the lack of organizational and administrative skills.

gridlocked legislature

Highlights the inability of the legislative branch to pass laws due to political disagreements.

broken political system

Emphasizes a broader failure encompassing multiple aspects of the political structure.

unstable political climate

Focuses on the unpredictable and volatile nature of the political environment.

FAQs

How can I use "dysfunctional government" in a sentence?

You can use "dysfunctional government" to describe a government that is not operating effectively or efficiently. For example: "The citizens are frustrated with the "dysfunctional government" and its inability to address key issues."

What are some synonyms for "dysfunctional government"?

Some synonyms for "dysfunctional government" include "ineffective governance", "failed state", or "corrupt regime", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dysfunctional government" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "dysfunctional government" in formal writing, especially in news articles, academic papers, or reports, as long as it's supported by evidence and used objectively.

What are the common causes of a "dysfunctional government"?

Common causes of a "dysfunctional government" can include political gridlock, corruption, lack of transparency, and inefficient bureaucracy.