What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dysfunction
Example
The patient was diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. [dysfunction: noun]
Example
The company's dysfunction was due to poor communication between departments. [dysfunction: noun]
disorder
Example
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. [disorder: noun]
Example
The party ended in disorder after a fight broke out. [disorder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disorder is more commonly used than dysfunction in everyday language. Disorder is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dysfunction is more specialized and often used in technical or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dysfunction and disorder?
Both dysfunction and disorder can be used in formal or technical contexts, but dysfunction is more likely to be used in these settings due to its more clinical connotation.
