Disruption: meaning, definitions and examples

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disruption

 

[ dɪsˈrʌpʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

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.
Context #3 | Noun

society

In society, disruption can refer to social or political movements that challenge existing norms and power structures, often leading to social change.

Synonyms

disorder, turmoil, uprising

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

🇮🇳 विघटन

🇩🇪 Störung

🇮🇩 gangguan

🇺🇦 порушення

🇵🇱 zakłócenie

🇯🇵 混乱

🇫🇷 perturbation

🇪🇸 disrupción

🇹🇷 bozulma

🇰🇷 혼란

🇸🇦 تعطيل

🇨🇿 narušení

🇸🇰 narušenie

🇨🇳 中断

🇸🇮 motnja

🇮🇸 truflun

🇰🇿 бұзылу

🇬🇪 შეწყვეტა

🇦🇿 pozulma

🇲🇽 disrupción

Word origin

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.