has been dysfunctional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been dysfunctional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, system, or relationship that has not been functioning properly over a period of time. Example: "The committee has been dysfunctional for several months, leading to a lack of progress on important projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

McDonnell also suggests he doesn't entirely disagree with Labour MPs who complain that the leadership team has been dysfunctional.

The Guardian

On issues such as the war in Syria and the eurozone crisis, he tells HARDtalk he believes European policy-making has been dysfunctional.

BBC

In 2013, the Mexican team has been dysfunctional and chaotic, but the U.S team has been organized and cohesive.

The New York Times - Sports

"The I.N.S.'s foreign student program historically has been dysfunctional, and the I.N.S. has acknowledged for several years that it does not know how many foreign students are in the United States," the inquiry determined.

The New York Times

There is no question that the Immigration and Naturalization Service has been dysfunctional and that closer I.N.S. scrutiny of applicants and tracking of foreigners by their host institutions are necessary.

The New York Times

If, as is more likely, Chavismo wins, it will need to ask itself if it can gradually open up to the other half of the country without abandoning the social ideals that inspired Chávez's vague twenty-first-century socialism, and if it can improve its style of government, which so far has been dysfunctional and inefficient.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Mr. Draghi said the money had also helped reawaken the crucial interbank lending market, which had been dysfunctional.

The New York Times

"They have been dysfunctional, and to say anything else would be silly".

The New York Times

California's politics have been dysfunctional for a long time and are getting worse.

The Economist

Yet even before the McGuigan murder the government in Belfast had been dysfunctional, having been unable to set a budget this year.

The Guardian

Chairman Mehmet Dalman admitted in an interview with the Guardian the board had been "dysfunctional" in the past, but said that was no longer the case after reforms last year.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been dysfunctional", provide specific examples or details to illustrate the nature and impact of the dysfunction. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "has been dysfunctional" as a vague or generic criticism. Always provide supporting evidence or explanation to justify the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been dysfunctional" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a state of impaired or ineffective operation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been dysfunctional" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something not working correctly. Ludwig AI confirms this. Primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to highlight problems and the need for improvement. While suitable for formal writing, providing specific examples strengthens its impact. Alternatives like "has not been functioning properly" or "has been operating ineffectively" offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid vague usage and always support your claims with evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has not been functioning properly

Focuses on the improper functioning rather than a complete breakdown.

has been operating ineffectively

Highlights the lack of effectiveness in the operation.

has been performing poorly

Emphasizes the substandard performance.

has been in a state of disarray

Indicates a lack of order and organization.

has been underperforming

Specifically refers to performance below expectations.

has been struggling to function

Highlights the difficulty in maintaining functionality.

has been failing to meet expectations

Focuses on the failure to achieve desired outcomes.

has been experiencing significant problems

Highlights that problems or issues are present.

has been riddled with issues

Conveys the presence of numerous and pervasive issues.

has ceased to function effectively

Emphasizes the termination of effective function.

FAQs

How can I use "has been dysfunctional" in a sentence?

You can use "has been dysfunctional" to describe a system, organization, or relationship that is not operating effectively. For example, "The committee "has been dysfunctional" due to internal conflicts."

What are some alternatives to "has been dysfunctional"?

Alternatives include "has not been functioning properly", "has been operating ineffectively", or "has been performing poorly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been dysfunctional" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been dysfunctional" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when supported by evidence and used objectively. However, consider the audience and purpose, and choose the most precise and professional language possible.

What does it mean when something "has been dysfunctional"?

It means that something has not been working correctly or effectively. It implies that there are issues preventing it from functioning as intended.