Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for dysfunctional. Search instead for dysfuncti.
Definitions

dysfunctional

[dis-fuhngk-shuh-nl] / dɪsˈfʌŋk ʃə nl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A self-assured, naive young woman joins a dysfunctional theater company in Beryl Bainbridge’s darkly comic novel of mishaps and maturity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Gilead has its sights on gamgertamig, a so-called immune reset therapeutic that depletes the body of dysfunctional cells and allows it to rebuild its immune system.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Over time they can enter a dysfunctional condition called T cell exhaustion, where their ability to eliminate threats declines.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026

Congrats to new Lakers owner Mark Walter and staff for having the courage initiating replacement of the dysfunctional front office with the hiring of Lon Rosen as president of business operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

And this touches me, somehow, even more than the presumptive lie about his assets: that this place he has described as so morbidly dysfunctional could amount to a real and compelling human community.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich