DYSFUNCTIONAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dysfunctional mean? 

• DYSFUNCTIONAL (adjective)
  The adjective DYSFUNCTIONAL has 2 senses:

1. impaired in function; especially of a bodily system or organ

2. (of a trait or condition) failing to serve an adjustive purpose

  Familiarity information: DYSFUNCTIONAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DYSFUNCTIONAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Impaired in function; especially of a bodily system or organ

Similar:

impaired (diminished in strength, quality, or utility)

Derivation:

dysfunction ((medicine) any disturbance in the functioning of an organ or body part or a disturbance in the functioning of a social group)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of a trait or condition) failing to serve an adjustive purpose

Synonyms:

dysfunctional; nonadaptive

Context example:

dysfunctional behavior

Similar:

maladaptive (showing faulty adaptation)

 Context examples 

The analysis revealed that she had a mutation in the IFIH1 gene that caused her body to make dysfunctional MDA5 proteins in cells in her respiratory tract.

(Scientists discover rare genetic susceptibility to common cold, National Institutes of Health)

The researchers go on to speculate that if simulation neurons became dysfunctional this could restrict social cognition, a symptom of autism.

(‘Mindreading’ neurons simulate decisions of social partners, University of Cambridge)

It is characterized by deficient or dysfunctional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex.

(Glanzmann Thrombasthenia, NCI Thesaurus)

These findings suggest that using a molecular chaperone to aid the dysfunctional enzyme may be a useful strategy for treating both diseases.

(Molecule may impact Gaucher, Parkinson’s disease, NIH)

Many immunologists hypothesize that food allergens may reach immune cells more easily through a dysfunctional skin barrier affected by atopic dermatitis, thereby setting off biological processes that result in food allergies.

(Scientists identify unique subtype of eczema linked to food allergy, National Institutes of Health)

In type II hereditary angioedema, the C1 inhibitor is dysfunctional and its plasma levels may be normal or elevated.

(Hereditary Angioedema Types I and II, NCI Thesaurus)

Anemias associated with impaired DNA synthesis in bone marrow progenitor cells leading to odd shaped, macrocytic, or dysfunctional erythrocytes; usually caused by B12 or folate deficiency.

(Megaloblastic Anemia, NIH CRISP Thesaurus)

Surgery performed with the purpose of replacing a degenerated, calcified, malformed, dysfunctional, etc. mitral valve with bioprosthetic, homograft or autograft valve.

(Mitral Valve Replacement, NCI Thesaurus)

Surgery performed for the purpose of repairing a degenerated, calcified, malformed, dysfunctional, etc. heart valve.

(Heart Valve Repair, NCI Thesaurus)

Surgery performed with the purpose of replacing a degenerated, calcified, malformed, dysfunctional, etc. aortic valve with a bioprosthetic, homograft, or autograft valve.

(Aortic Valve Replacement, NCI Thesaurus)