Word
disruption
Phoneticsdis·rup·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈɹəpʃən/
UK/dɪsɹˈʌpʃən/
Definitions
01interruption of a process
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a situation where an activity or system is stopped from continuing normally.
n. the act of preventing a system, process, or event from continuing as usual or as expected.
“The heavy snow caused a major disruption to the local train service this morning.”
“The sudden strike by air traffic controllers led to widespread disruption across European flight networks, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02disorder or trouble
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. noisy or confused behavior that stops something from happening quietly or correctly.
n. a state of disorder or a continuing act of social or institutional disturbance.
“The protesters were arrested for causing a disruption during the mayor's speech.”
“The administration implemented strict security measures to prevent any further disruption of the academic proceedings by activist groups.”
03business innovation
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a big change in an industry caused by a new product or way of doing things.
n. the process by which a smaller company with fewer resources is able to successfully challenge established incumbent businesses.
“The rise of streaming services caused a huge disruption in the traditional film industry.”
“Economists argue that digital disruption is inevitable in sectors where legacy players fail to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'digital disruption'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “disruption” in context.
Verb
01. cause widespread disruption
“The heavy snowfall caused widespread disruption to the rail network this morning.”
verb + adj + noun
02. cope with disruption
“Commuters had to cope with significant disruption after the signaling failure.”
verb + prep + noun
03. minimize the disruption
“The construction crew worked overnight to minimize the disruption to local businesses.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. major disruption
“A major disruption in the supply chain led to a shortage of electronic components.”
adj + noun
05. minimal disruption
“We aim to complete the software upgrade with minimal disruption to your daily workflow.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. disruption to service
“Passengers were warned to expect disruption to services due to the ongoing engineering works.”
noun + prep + noun
07. level of disruption
“The level of disruption caused by the strike was far greater than the government anticipated.”
noun + of + noun
08. disruption caused
09. disruption to the daily
10. disruptions in the mail
Real-World Examples
“The 2022 call-up triggered one of the biggest episodes of domestic disruption since the invasion began, prompting a mass exodus of Russians and a sharp drop in Putin’s approval ratings.” “The indefinite strike by Groundforce workers at El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) has continued to cause disruption for travellers in its second week.” “The IDF stressed that Israeli "liaison officers are in ongoing contact with Qusra's local leadership and are working to avoid disruption to the daily lives of the residents in the area".” “The AP has mapped about 200 acts of sabotage, arson and other disruption across Europe since the start of the war in Ukraine that officials have linked to Russia.” Etymology
From Latin disruptionem, from disrumpere. By surface analysis, disrupt + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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