dysfunction

views updated Jun 11 2018

dysfunction, dysfunctional Terms used to deal with tensions in the social system. Something is dysfunctional if it inhibits or disrupts the working of the system as a whole or another part of the system; for example, if teenage anomie disrupts the labour-market or education system, then it may be said to be dysfunctional for the society. See also FUNCTION.

dysfunction

views updated Jun 27 2018

dys·func·tion / disˈfəngkshən/ • n. abnormality or impairment in the function of a specified bodily organ or system: bowel dysfunction. ∎  deviation from the norms of social behavior in a way regarded as bad: inner-city dysfunction.

dysfunction

views updated Jun 11 2018

dysfunction (dis-funk-shŏn) n. impairment or abnormality in the functioning of an organ.
dysfunctional (dis-funk-shŏn-ăl) adj.

More From encyclopedia.com