disruption
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for disruption, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A break in the normal flow, order, or continuity of something.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use disruption
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin disruptionem, a breaking apart, built from the verb disrumpere ("to break asunder").
Full origin of disruption →Frequently asked questions
What does “disruption” mean?
The word “disruption” means a break in the normal flow, order, or continuity of something. In plain terms, something that interrupts or breaks the normal way things happen.
How do you pronounce “disruption”?
“Disruption” is pronounced dihs-RUHP-shuhn (/dɪsˈɹʌpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “disruption” in a sentence?
Here is “disruption” used in a sentence: “The strike caused major disruption to public transport.”
What part of speech is “disruption”?
“Disruption” is a noun.
Where does the word “disruption” come from?
The word “disruption” comes from Latin. From Latin disruptionem, a breaking apart, built from the verb disrumpere ("to break asunder").
Is “disruption” a common word?
“Disruption” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “disruption” have?
“Disruption” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a break in the normal flow, order, or continuity of something.
What is the difference between disruption and interruption?
Disruption refers to a break in the normal flow, order, or continuity of something, often more significant or prolonged, such as widespread transport disruption. Interruption typically describes a brief pause or break in an ongoing activity, like being interrupted during a conversation.
What is the difference between disruption and disorder?
Disruption describes an event that breaks the normal flow or continuity of something, while disorder describes a sustained state of breakdown or chaos, which the definition notes disruption can also refer to in its second sense. Disruption often implies a cause, whereas disorder describes the resulting condition.
How is disruption used in a business context?
In business, disruption often describes a significant change that breaks established patterns or systems, such as 'supply chain disruption' or 'market disruption' caused by new technology or events. It generally implies the normal order has been broken, not just slowed.