# disrupting

/dɪsˈɹəptɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪsɹˈʌptɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disrupting
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. interrupting a process

verb · CEFR B2

to stop an event or activity from continuing as it should.

For teachers: to interrupt an event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance or problem. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The loud construction work outside was disrupting our morning meeting.
- Protesters were accused of disrupting the international summit by blocking the main entrance to the convention centre.

### 2. changing an industry

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

to change a traditional industry or market by using new technology or ideas.

For teachers: to radically change an industry, business sector, or market by introducing new technology or innovative business models.

- New smartphone apps are disrupting the way people book taxis.
- The startup succeeded in disrupting the traditional banking sector by offering fee-free international transfers through a peer-to-peer network.

### 3. causing trouble

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that causes a mess or stops things from working well.

For teachers: functioning as a participial adjective to describe an influence that causes disorder or prevents a system from operating normally.

- The disrupting influence of the new rules caused a lot of confusion in the office.
- The report highlighted several disrupting factors that prevented the supply chain from recovering after the storm.

## Examples

- The loud noise is disrupting my concentration.
- Heavy snowfall is currently disrupting train services across the northern part of the country.
- Technological innovations are rapidly disrupting traditional industries, forcing established companies to rethink their business models or risk becoming obsolete in a digital-first economy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.