# disruptive

/dɪsˈɹəptɪv/ (US) · /dɪsɹˈʌptɪv/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. causing trouble or interruption

adjective · CEFR B2

causing problems that stop something from continuing in a normal or quiet way.

For teachers: causing or tending to cause disruption by interrupting the normal progress or activity of a system or group.

- The teacher asked the disruptive student to leave the classroom for a few minutes.
- The construction work outside proved highly disruptive to the office staff, making it nearly impossible to conduct phone calls during the day.

### 2. changing a market

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic · Technical

describes a new product or service that completely changes the way a business market works.

For teachers: relating to a new technology or business model that creates a new market and eventually displaces established competitors.

- Smartphones were a disruptive technology that changed how we use the internet.
- The startup's disruptive business model forced legacy companies to rethink their entire supply chain strategy to remain competitive in the digital age.

## Examples

- The loud music was very disruptive.
- The new software was disruptive to our daily workflow.
- Electric vehicles are disruptive to the traditional automotive industry, forcing manufacturers to rethink their entire supply chain and business model.

---

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.