dysfunctional

/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃɪnəl/

/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənəl/

Other forms: dysfunctionally

Dysfunctional describes something that doesn't work the way it should. If you know all the printers at the school computer lab are dysfunctional, it's better to print your book report at home.

Dys- means "bad," and function means "proper purpose," so when something's working badly, it's dysfunctional. For example, your toaster that always burns the toast is dysfunctional. The word dysfunctional is often used to describe relationships or even whole families whose ways of relating to one another are mentally harmful or are so complicated that nothing feels easy or natural about them.

Definitions of dysfunctional

1. adjective

   impaired in function; especially of a bodily system or organ
   synonyms:

   impaired

   diminished in strength, quality, or utility
2. adjective

   (of a trait or condition) failing to serve an adjustive purpose
   “dysfunctional behavior”

   synonyms: nonadaptive

   maladaptive

   showing faulty adaptation