disruption

/dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/
nounIntermediate
general

an interruption or disturbance in a system, process, or activity

The power outage caused a major disruption in the city's transportation system.

The lack of electricity stopped trains and traffic lights from working.

💡

Can refer to physical or digital systems.

💼Business
Business

a significant change that disrupts an industry or market

Uber disrupted the taxi industry by introducing ride-sharing.

Uber's app allowed people to book rides from drivers using their own cars.

💡

Often used in discussions about innovation and competition.

💻Technology
Technology

a technology or innovation that changes existing markets or industries

The smartphone was a major disruption in the telecommunications industry.

Smartphones combined multiple devices (phone, camera, computer) into one.

💡

Closely related to the concept of 'disruptive innovation.'

Collocations

cause disruptionto create an interruption or disturbancemarket disruptiona significant change in a market or industrydisruptive technologya technology that changes existing markets

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

disruptive innovationphrase
a new technology or business model that disrupts an existing market

💡Pro Tip

Business vs. General Use

In business, 'disruption' often has a positive connotation, while in general use, it can be negative.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Always consider the context when using 'disruption' to avoid misunderstandings.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'disruptio,' meaning 'a breaking apart,' from 'dis-' (apart) + 'rumpere' (to break).

📝Usage Notes

In business and technology, 'disruption' often implies a positive or transformative change, while in general use, it can be negative.

Word Breakdown

dis-
apart
prefix
+
-rupt
break
root
+
-ion
action or state
suffix
English Dictionary