Synonyms for

Disruptive

Verb / dɪˈsrʌptɪv / Another word for disruptive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing disorder or interruption

Synonyms & similar words

turbulent riotous tumultuous troubled troublesome disorderly chaotic upsetting unsettling disturbing troubling unruly turbulent interfering obstructive destructive uncontrollable rebellious riotous unmanageable disarranging disorganizing disrupting distressing

Synonyms by register

Formal

troublesome unsettling disruptive disruptive

Informal

troublemaking annoying disruptive disruptive

Literary

tumultuous revolutionary upheaval

Antonyms

constructive orderly peaceful calm stable harmonious beneficial

Common collocations

  • disruptive technology
  • disruptive behavior
  • disruptive innovation
  • disruptive influence
  • disruptive force
  • disruptive effect
  • disruptive pattern

Word family

noun disruption
verb disrupt
adjective disruptive
adverb disruptively

Usage note

Often used in business and technology contexts to describe innovations that change existing markets. Can also refer to behavior that interrupts or causes disorder.

Example sentences

  1. The barking dog was very disruptive during the class.
  2. The snowstorm was so disruptive that the school had to close for the day.
  3. The construction work outside my window was very disruptive.
  4. The disruptive behavior of the students made it hard for the teacher to teach.
  5. The loud music from the party next door was very disruptive to our sleep.

Quotes

  • Disruptive innovation is a theory about why businesses fail. It's not more than that. - Clayton Christensen
  • Disruptive innovation creates new markets. - Clayton Christensen
  • The internet has been the most fundamental change during my lifetime and for hundreds of years. Someone the other day said, 'It's the biggest thing since Gutenberg,' and then someone else said 'No, it's the biggest thing since the invention of writing.' - Rupert Murdoch

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