dysfunctional

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.

One reason for the confusion is that healthy macrophages already show some of the same molecular features seen in senescent cells, making it difficult to distinguish between normal and dysfunctional states.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

Two decades earlier, Lindy, for her part, made a smash, and a packet, with “My Rainbow Starts With Black,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, seemingly based on her own dysfunctional family, and its Oscar-winning film adaptation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Even as United have fallen short of expectations, Fernandes has delivered in what has often been a dysfunctional environment, which has now stabilised under interim boss Michael Carrick.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

He justified this view by citing a dysfunctional banking system, a highly unstable currency, the absence of the rule of law guaranteeing private property, the failure of the centrally planned economy, and "completely dilapidated" infrastructure.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

If we’re a messed up, dysfunctional family, I guess this can go down as our single functional moment.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman