dysfunctional
adjective/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənəl/
Frequency rank: #8,944 most common English word
Meaning
not operating normally or healthily; failing to function properly.
Example sentence
The therapist helped the dysfunctional family learn how to communicate better with each other.
Synonyms & related words
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 8,901–9,000
- deductiblethe amount of money you must pay out of pocket before insurance begins to cover costs.
- diagonalGoing from one corner to another corner at an angle, not horizontal or vertical.
- discreditTo cause someone or something to lose credibility or reputation.
- dressera piece of bedroom furniture with drawers, used for storing clothes or personal items.
- duffinformal word for a person's buttocks.
- elmA tall deciduous tree with broad leaves, often found in parks and along streets.
- equitablefair and impartial to everyone involved
- estrogenA primary female sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
- exertto apply or bring into use (strength, influence, or effort)
- feudalrelating to a social and political system in which land is exchanged for military service and loyalty, common in medieval Europe.