Dysfunctional

Describing something that is not operating normally or properly; often referring to systems, relationships, or individuals characterized by unhealthy or abnormal behaviors, communication patterns, and structures that lead to negative outcomes or hinder the intended purpose. It can be applied to various contexts, from families and organizations to body parts and software. The dysfunction arises from a breakdown or inadequacy in the way components interact, causing inefficiency, conflict, or failure to achieve desired goals. This can manifest in various ways, including poor performance, emotional distress, or a lack of cohesion.

Dysfunctional meaning with examples

• The family was deeply dysfunctional, with the parents constantly arguing and the children exhibiting behavioral problems. Communication was nonexistent, and each member operated in isolation, unable to connect on any meaningful level. Their emotional needs were unmet, resulting in a cycle of anger and resentment that severely damaged everyone's well-being, creating a toxic environment.
• The project team suffered from a dysfunctional structure, where leadership was unclear, and responsibilities were poorly defined. This led to duplicated efforts, missed deadlines, and a lack of collaboration. Constant infighting and a blame game atmosphere stifled any progress. Ultimately, the project failed due to the lack of direction and team unity.
• After the accident, the patient's limb was deemed dysfunctional; unable to perform its normal range of motion or support weight. The nerves were damaged, which reduced sensation and movement, impacting mobility and overall quality of life. Extensive physical therapy was required to attempt to regain some semblance of normal functionality.
• The website's search function was completely dysfunctional, returning irrelevant results or error messages. The users got frustrated trying to find the desired information, and the site's usability suffered. This malfunction led to user abandonment and a significant loss of potential business. The poor coding meant basic operations failed to perform.