dysfunctional

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A self-assured, naive young woman joins a dysfunctional theater company in Beryl Bainbridge’s darkly comic novel of mishaps and maturity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

He justified this view by citing a dysfunctional banking system, a highly unstable currency, the absence of the rule of law guaranteeing private property, the failure of the centrally planned economy, and "completely dilapidated" infrastructure.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

Over time they can enter a dysfunctional condition called T cell exhaustion, where their ability to eliminate threats declines.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026

Congrats to new Lakers owner Mark Walter and staff for having the courage initiating replacement of the dysfunctional front office with the hiring of Lon Rosen as president of business operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

If we’re a messed up, dysfunctional family, I guess this can go down as our single functional moment.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman