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disorganize
/dɪsˈɔːrɡənaɪz/
make chaotic
The sudden power outage completely disorganized the office workflow.
The power failure caused total chaos in the office's planned processes.
formal
to throw into confusion or disorder; to disrupt the orderly arrangement of
The protest disorganized the entire conference schedule.
The protest caused significant disruption to the planned events of the conference.
A lack of planning can disorganize even the simplest tasks.
Poor preparation can turn straightforward activities into chaotic situations.
Often used in contexts where systems, plans, or routines are disrupted. Less common in everyday speech than 'mess up' or 'throw into chaos'.
Collocations
disorganize the systemcause disorder in a structured processdisorganize the scheduledisrupt a planned timetable
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'disorganize'
In everyday speech, simpler alternatives like 'mess up', 'throw off', or 'disrupt' are more natural. Reserve 'disorganize' for formal writing or when emphasizing systemic failure.
Gold Rule
Form vs. Function
Remember that 'disorganize' is the opposite of 'organize' in both action and result. If organizing means arranging systematically, disorganizing means undoing that arrangement.
Word Origin
From Middle English *disorganisen*, from Anglo-Norman *desorganiser*, from Medieval Latin *disorganisare*, from *dis-* (prefix meaning 'apart, away') + *organisare* (to organize), from Latin *organum* (instrument, tool). First recorded in English in the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
While 'disorganize' is grammatically correct, it is less common than 'disorganised' (UK) or 'disorganized' (US) as a past participle. The verb form is typically used in formal or technical contexts rather than casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
dis-
prefix indicating reversal or negation
prefixorganize
to arrange systematically
rootEnglish Dictionary