disruption

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.

“Disruption” is pronounced dihs-RUHP-shuhn (/dɪsˈɹʌpʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “disruption” used in a sentence: “The strike caused major disruption to public transport.”

“Disruption” is a noun.

The word “disruption” comes from Latin. From Latin disruptionem, a breaking apart, built from the verb disrumpere ("to break asunder").

“Disruption” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Disruption” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a break in the normal flow, order, or continuity of something.

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.

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.

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.