Dysfunctioning

/dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Present participle of dysfunction; currently functioning improperly or failing to work as intended.

Etymology

From dysfunction (dys- bad + function), with the present participle ending -ing. It describes the ongoing state of something not working properly, often used as an adjective to describe systems or people currently malfunctioning.

Kelly Says

This word is everywhere in modern life—'dysfunctional families,' 'dysfunctioning governments'—because we finally have language to describe systems that are broken but still technically 'working.' It's a very 20th-century word.

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