disorganization

American  

[dis-awr-guh-nuh-zey-shuhn] / dɪsˌɔr gə nəˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a breaking up of order or system; disunion or disruption of constituent parts.

2. the absence of organization or orderly arrangement; disarrangement; disorder.

---

Etymology

Origin of disorganization

1785–95; < French désorganisation, equivalent to désorganis ( er ) to disorganize + -ation -ation

Explanation

Disorganization is a state of messiness or an inability to plan. Your disorganization might cause you to get bad grades in school, even if you're a brilliant writer and love math. Being organized or having a good organization system means you're neat, tidy, and disciplined about keeping track of things. The prefix dis- in disorganization makes it clear that it's the opposite of being organized — your disorganization means you're inefficient or sloppy instead. The words disorganize and disorganization were first used in English in the late 18th century, specifically in reference to the French Revolution, from the French désorganiser.

Example Sentences

Disorganization is common in Rome “when it comes to taxis, parking, garbage disposal, public transportation,” and disorganization creates opportunities for illegality, said Massimiliano Tonelli, the editorial director of Artribune, an art magazine.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2023

Disorganization deepened at local, state and federal levels, as leaders scrambled to implement policies and procure equipment.

From Nature • Aug. 3, 2020

Disorganization also led to long queues at caucus sites across the state.

From The Guardian • Feb. 23, 2016

Disorganization, public apathy, strikes were so widespread that the Japanese had to resort to typically American methods of encouragement.

From Time Magazine Archive

Disorganization became so complete that no exact returns were ever made up.

From The Father of British Canada: a Chronicle of Carleton by Wood, William Charles Henry

Related Words

• foul-up
• mix up