adj

dysfunctional

adj

Not working properly; unable to function in a normal or healthy way.

"They grew up in a dysfunctional household full of shouting matches."

"The printer has been completely dysfunctional since the power surge."

How to Use Dysfunctional

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBroken or unhealthy in how it operates — often used about families, relationships, or organisations.

Common pairings

dysfunctional family dysfunctional relationship dysfunctional system

more dysfunctional comparative, most dysfunctional superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

They grew up in a _____ household full of shouting matches.

From "dysfunction" plus the adjective-forming suffix "-al".

coronal rational diagonal personal seasonal national optional regional hormonal fictional emotional irrational