Disruptive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disruptive

[dɪsˈrʌptɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Causing or tending to cause disruption; interrupting the normal course of events.

Synonyms

disorderly, disturbing, troublesome.

Examples of usage

  • His disruptive behavior in class made it difficult for the other students to concentrate.
  • The disruptive noise from the construction site was bothering the residents nearby.
Context #2 | Adjective

technology

Describing or relating to a new technology or business model that disrupts an existing market or industry.

Synonyms

groundbreaking, innovative, revolutionary.

Examples of usage

  • The company developed a disruptive innovation that completely changed the way people communicate.
  • The disruptive technology quickly gained popularity among consumers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

  • Disruptive innovation can lead to whole new markets being created, often changing industries forever.
  • Famous disruptors include companies like Uber and Airbnb, which transformed transportation and hospitality.
  • The concept highlights how small companies can take over established markets by offering simpler or cheaper solutions.

Psychology

  • In psychology, disruptive behavior can impact learning and classroom environments, prompting educational reform.
  • Research shows that high levels of disruption in a group can hinder collective decision-making.
  • Disruptive thinking is often encouraged in creativity workshops to foster out-of-the-box solutions.

Technology

  • The rise of the internet is a prime example of a disruptive technology, changing how we communicate and access information.
  • Smartphones disrupted how people interact, favoring mobile over traditional communication methods.
  • Artificial intelligence is currently seen as a disruptive force in various industries, from healthcare to finance.

Education

  • In educational settings, disruptive teaching methods can engage students more effectively by breaking traditional learning patterns.
  • Flipped classrooms are a disruptive educational model where students learn content at home and do homework in class.
  • Gamification in learning is a disruptive trend that incorporates game-like elements to enhance motivation and learning outcomes.

Origin of 'disruptive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'disruptus,' meaning broken apart.
  • It began to be used more commonly in English during the late 20th century, particularly in business settings.
  • The prefix 'dis-' means apart, while 'rupt' stems from 'rumpere,' meaning to break.

The word 'disruptive' originated from the Latin word 'disruptivus', which means 'breaking apart'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-18th century. The concept of disruption has become increasingly relevant in the modern era, especially in technology and business, with the rise of disruptive innovations and business models.


See also: disrupt, disrupted, disrupter, disruption, disruptively, disruptor.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,319, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.