dysfunctional

/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənl/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənl/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)dis-ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl/ (ame, mw)

dysfunctional — adjective

  • dysfunctionalpositive
  • more dysfunctionalcomparative
  • most dysfunctionalsuperlative

1. operating in an unhealthy, abnormal, or ineffective way — used of a system, rela

1.形容詞B2
釋義

operating in an unhealthy, abnormal, or ineffective way — used of a system, relationship, organization, or body part that is not working as it should.

例句

Asher grew up in a dysfunctional family where arguments never got resolved.

collocation: dysfunctional family

The hospital's record-keeping system was so dysfunctional that patient files often went missing.

同義詞
  • broken

    more informal; suggests something is damaged and cannot do its job

  • impaired

    more formal, often used for physical/medical function

  • unhealthy

    overlaps in relationship/family contexts but is broader

  • disordered

    suggests a lack of organization or structure; clinical tone

反義詞
  • functional

    direct opposite; operating normally and effectively

  • healthy

    used especially for relationships, families, and organizations

  • effective

    focuses on achieving intended results

文法句型

dysfunctional + noun

be + dysfunctional

用法筆記

Widely used in psychology, organizational theory, and medicine. Avoid using as a casual synonym for 'bad' — the word implies a breakdown in normal healthy function, not mere dislike or poor quality.

常見錯誤

❌The movie was so dysfunctional.
✅The movie was so poorly made.
💡'dysfunctional' describes a breakdown in normal operation, not general badness or low quality.
❌He is a dysfunctional person.
✅He grew up in a dysfunctional family environment.
💡'dysfunctional' typically modifies systems, relationships, and environments, not individuals as a personal trait.