Dysfunction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dysfunction
[dɪsˈfʌŋkʃən ]
Definitions
in medicine
Abnormal or impaired functioning, especially of a bodily system or organ.
Synonyms
abnormality, disorder, malfunction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dysfunction |
This word is typically used in a medical, social, or organizational context to describe something that is not operating normally or effectively. It has a neutral to negative connotation depending on the context.
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| malfunction |
This term is generally used to describe machines, technology, or systems that are not functioning correctly. It has a neutral to negative connotation, mostly focusing on the failure of proper operation.
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| abnormality |
Use this in medical or scientific contexts to describe something that deviates from what is typical or expected. It carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, as it simply states something isn't normal without further judgment.
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| disorder |
This is commonly used in medical, psychological, or behavioral contexts to describe a condition that disrupts normal physical or mental function. It tends to carry a more clinical and somewhat negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The patient was diagnosed with erectile dysfunction.
- She suffers from a dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
in society
A problem or fault in a system or organization.
Synonyms
disorder, malfunction, problem.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dysfunction |
Used mostly in medical or psychological contexts to describe impaired or abnormal functioning of a body part or system. It can also refer to problems within a social or organizational setting.
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| disorder |
Commonly used in medical and psychological settings to describe a condition that disrupts normal physical or mental functions. It often implies a more chronic or systemic issue.
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| malfunction |
Often used in technical and mechanical contexts to describe when a machine or device does not operate correctly. It can also be used metaphorically for biological or organizational failures.
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| problem |
A general term that can be used in any context to describe an issue, difficulty, or complication. It is the most versatile but also the least specific word in this set.
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Examples of usage
- The dysfunction in the government led to chaos and confusion.
- There is a dysfunction in the communication between different departments.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Medical Understanding
- The term is often used in medicine to refer to organs or systems in the body that aren’t operating correctly.
- Psychological dysfunction can affect behavior and mood, impacting personal relationships and daily life.
- Common examples include dysfunction in the heart, which may lead to serious health problems.
Cultural Impact
- Movies and TV shows frequently explore family dysfunction, depicting how difficult relationships can affect individuals.
- Literature, from Shakespeare to modern authors, often portrays characters struggling with dysfunctional environments.
- In sociology, discussions about dysfunction often overlap with themes of social norms and how their breakdown affects communities.
Psychology
- Dysfunction can refer to mental health disorders, where thoughts or behavior are significantly disrupted.
- Therapy often aims to help individuals work through dysfunction to improve their mental and emotional well-being.
- Cognitive dysfunction can impair thinking and decision-making abilities, affecting everyday tasks.
Technology
- In tech, dysfunction might describe software bugs that prevent applications from running smoothly.
- Organizations can experience operational dysfunction when teams fail to communicate effectively.
- User experience design seeks to minimize interface dysfunction through intuitive and user-friendly layouts.
Educational Insights
- Understanding dysfunction in groups can improve classroom dynamics and team projects.
- Educational theories address how dysfunction in learning environments can hinder student success.
- Peer support can help reduce dysfunction by fostering communication and collaboration among students.
Origin of 'dysfunction'
The word 'dysfunction' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dys-' meaning 'bad' or 'abnormal' and the word 'function' meaning 'the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used'. The term has been used in the medical field since the mid-19th century to describe abnormal functioning of bodily systems. In the context of society, it gained popularity in the late 20th century to describe problems or faults in systems or organizations.
See also: dysfunctional, functional, functionality, functionally, functionaries, functionary, functioning, functions, malfunction, malfunctions, misfunction, multifunctional, multifunctionality, nonfunctional, perfunctory.