disciplined
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disciplined
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; discipline + -ed 2
Explanation
People who are disciplined are either rule-followers or they are controlled and efficient. A disciplined runner who's training for a marathon has a regular, daily exercise routine. Your disciplined puppy might be the star of her obedience class, the very best at "sit" and "stay." And your cousin who speaks six languages is also disciplined — she studies, reads, and practices speaking for hours every day. Disciplined comes from the noun discipline, which has come to mean "punishment," but is rooted in the Latin word disciplina, "teaching or knowledge," and also "military discipline."
Vocabulary lists containing disciplined
Ghost
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"La Vida Robot" and "Reading, Writing and... Recreation"
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From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dine Brands also reported higher revenue, with Chief Executive John Peyton saying the company continues to benefit from its focus on value offerings, culturally relevant marketing and disciplined execution.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
"We delivered a good start to 2026... reflecting disciplined execution against our plan in an uncertain macro-environment," chief executive Roy Jakobs said in a statement.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
Unlike the disciplined cadre organisation of the Communists, Banerjee's party revolved around her own charisma and authority.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Do them well, and you’re disciplined, capable, put-together.
From Salon • May 5, 2026
“Look how disciplined our soldiers are,” Richard says after Nathaniel leaves.
From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
