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.

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