Disruption: meaning, definitions and examples
🌪️
disruption
[ dɪsˈrʌpʃən ]
business
Disruption refers to a major disturbance or interruption in the normal course of events or processes. It often involves introducing new ideas, technologies, or business models that radically change the way things are done.
Synonyms
disturbance, interruption, upheaval.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
disruption |
This word is used to describe a situation where normal operations or activities are stopped or severely disturbed. It can be used in various contexts such as business, technology, or daily life.
|
disturbance |
Use this word for situations where there is noise, commotion, or interruption that affects the normal state of things, often leading to inconvenience or discomfort.
|
interruption |
This word specifically refers to a temporary halt or pause in an activity or process. It is often used to describe a break in continuous actions or conversations.
|
upheaval |
This word is used for situations involving major changes or disturbances, often accompanied by stress or chaos. It is commonly associated with societal, political, or emotional turmoil.
|
Examples of usage
- Digital disruption has transformed many industries, leading to the downfall of traditional businesses.
- The company faced disruption when a competitor entered the market with a more innovative product.
technology
In the context of technology, disruption refers to the effect of new technologies that significantly alter the status quo and create new markets or value networks.
Synonyms
innovation, revolution, transformation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
disruption |
Used to describe a situation where a regular pattern or activity is broken or interrupted, often in a negative sense.
|
innovation |
Used to talk about new ideas, products, or ways of doing things that bring improvement or progress.
|
transformation |
Often describes a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character, generally implying a positive outcome.
|
revolution |
Refers to a significant and drastic change, often in a social, political, or technological context, which can be either positive or negative.
|
Examples of usage
- The emergence of blockchain technology has caused disruption in the financial sector.
- Disruption in the tech industry often leads to rapid changes and fierce competition.
society
In society, disruption can refer to social or political movements that challenge existing norms and power structures, often leading to social change.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
disruption |
Use it when talking about an interruption or a disturbance that causes something to stop or change direction. Often used in business, services, or daily routines.
|
disorder |
This word is suitable when referring to a lack of order, organization, or tidiness. It can also describe a medical condition affecting physical or mental health.
|
turmoil |
This is best used when describing a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty, often involving emotions or political situations.
|
uprising |
This term is appropriate for describing an act of resistance or rebellion, especially against a government or authority, often involving violence or protest.
|
Examples of usage
- The civil rights movement in the 1960s caused significant disruption in American society.
- Disruption by grassroots organizations can bring attention to important social issues.
Translations
Translations of the word "disruption" in other languages:
🇵🇹 disrupção
- interrupção
- perturbação
🇮🇳 विघटन
- बाधा
- व्यवधान
🇩🇪 Störung
- Unterbrechung
- Beeinträchtigung
🇮🇩 gangguan
- gangguan sementara
- gangguan
🇺🇦 порушення
- перебій
- дестабілізація
🇵🇱 zakłócenie
- przerwanie
- dezorganizacja
🇯🇵 混乱
- 中断
- 破壊
🇫🇷 perturbation
- interruption
- disruption
🇪🇸 disrupción
- interrupción
- perturbación
🇹🇷 bozulma
- kesinti
- aksama
🇰🇷 혼란
- 중단
- 붕괴
🇸🇦 تعطيل
- انقطاع
- اضطراب
🇨🇿 narušení
- přerušení
- rozvrat
🇸🇰 narušenie
- prerušenie
- dezorganizácia
🇨🇳 中断
- 干扰
- 破坏
🇸🇮 motnja
- prekinitev
- motenje
🇮🇸 truflun
- rof
- röskun
🇰🇿 бұзылу
- үзілу
- кедергі
🇬🇪 შეწყვეტა
- დარღვევა
- დეზორგანიზაცია
🇦🇿 pozulma
- fasilə
- qarışıqlıq
🇲🇽 disrupción
- interrupción
- perturbación
Etymology
The word 'disruption' originates from the Latin word 'disruptio', which means a breaking apart or splitting. The term gained popularity in the business world in the late 20th century with the rise of disruptive innovation theories by scholars like Clayton Christensen. Today, 'disruption' is commonly used across various fields to describe significant changes or disturbances that challenge the status quo.
See also: disrupt, disrupted, disrupter, disruptive, disruptively, disruptor.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,189 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
- ...
- 8186 encounters
- 8187 seeming
- 8188 contrasts
- 8189 disruption
- 8190 condensation
- 8191 dominion
- 8192 shelves
- ...