disruptive

[ dis-ruhp-tiv ]

adjective

1. causing, tending to cause, or caused by disruption; disrupting:

   the disruptive effect of their rioting.

2. Business.
   1. relating to or noting a new product, service, or idea that radically changes an industry or business strategy, especially by creating a new market and disrupting an existing one:

      disruptive innovations such as the cell phone and the two-year community college.

   2. relating to or noting a business executive or company that introduces or is receptive to such innovation:

      disruptive CEOs with imagination and vision.

disruptive

/ dɪsˈrʌptɪv /

adjective

1. involving, causing, or tending to cause disruption

Derived Forms

• disˈruptively, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·ruptive·ly adverb
• dis·ruptive·ness noun
• nondis·ruptive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disruptive¹

First recorded in 1835–45; disrupt + -ive

Example Sentences

The naming of storms is a practice which helps meteorologists communicate with the public when they need to advise of dangerous or disruptive weather events.

From BBC

But the young players have been disruptive, pressuring quarterbacks and amassing 27 sacks, tied for 12th in the NFL.

From Los Angeles Times

“If they make certain statements that could have a very deleterious effect or be very disruptive in the class, then the district may have some ability to engage in discipline,” Eliasberg said.

From Los Angeles Times

Persistent disruptive behaviour is the most common reason given to suspend or exclude a pupil.

From BBC

But the crowds proved so disruptive that the gallery eventually took the banana out of the booth after a performance artist, David Datuna, ripped it off the wall and ate it.

From New York Times

Related Words

• disturbing
• rowdy
• troublesome
• unruly
• upsetting