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disruptive

diss-RUP-tiv /dɪsˈrʌp.tɪv/

adjectiveB2TOEFLIELTS

neutral

Causing disturbance, interruption, or disorder in an established process or event.

In education, describes conduct that breaks the focus of the class; in business, describes innovative tech that alters industries.

The story behind the word. Formed from Latin disruptus, past participle of disrumpere ('to break apart'), combining dis- ('apart') and rumpere ('to break'). It describes actions that shatter continuous harmony.

Word relationships

disorderly: 'Disorderly' focuses on untidiness or rowdiness, whereas 'disruptive' emphasizes breaking active concentration.
troublesome: 'Troublesome' means causing annoyance, while 'disruptive' specifically interrupts ongoing activity.

cooperative: 'Cooperative' means working willingly with others.
peaceful: 'Peaceful' describes calm, undisturbed conditions.

Commonly confused with

destructive: 'Destructive' causes physical damage or ruin; 'disruptive' causes interruption or disorder.

Word family

disrupt (verb): To interrupt an event, activity, or process.
disruption (noun): Disturbance or problems that interrupt an event.

Collocations

disruptive behavior
disruptive influence
highly disruptive
disruptive technology

Example sentences

"The teacher moved the disruptive student to the front desk to minimize distractions." Classroom Management
"Digital technologies have proved highly disruptive to traditional publishing models." Modern Business

Memory hook

Disruptive actions rupture the peace. Rupturing the class flow.

When not to use

Do not use to describe mere passive silence or quiet disagreement.

Fun facts

Clayton Christensen coined the phrase 'disruptive innovation' in 1995 to describe simple products that eventually displace market leaders.