dysfunctional

UK: /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃ^ənəl/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dysfunctional / dɪsˈfʌŋkʃən^əl/ adjective

1. (of an organ or part) not functioning normally
2. (esp of a family) characterized by a breakdown of normal or beneficial relationships between members of the group

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

dys•func•tion  (dis fungk′shən), n. 

1. Pathology [Med.] malfunctioning, as of an organ or structure of the body.
2. any malfunctioning part or element:
   the dysfunctions of the country's economy.
3. Sociology a consequence of a social practice or behavior pattern that undermines the stability of a social system.

• dys- + function 1915–20

dys•func′tion•al, adj.