Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

disorganized

[dis-awr-guh-nahyzd]
See more synonyms for disorganized on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. functioning without adequate order, systemization, or planning; uncoordinated: a woefully disorganized enterprise.
  2. careless or undisciplined; sloppy: too disorganized a person to be an agreeable roommate.
Show More

Origin of disorganized

First recorded in 1805–15; disorganize + -ed2
Related formsun·dis·or·gan·ized, adjective
Can be confuseddisorganized unorganized

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com
muddled, confused, disorderly, unsystematic.

disorganize

[dis-awr-guh-nahyz]
verb (used with object), dis·or·gan·ized, dis·or·gan·iz·ing.
  1. to destroy the organization, systematic arrangement, or orderly connection of; throw into confusion or disorder.
Show More
Also especially British, dis·or·gan·ise.

Origin of disorganize

1785–95; < French désorganiser, equivalent to dés- dis-1 + organiser to organize
Related formsdis·or·gan·iz·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

chaotichaphazardconfusedmuddleddisorderedjumbleddisorderlyunsystematic

Examples from the Web for disorganized

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • But all the blue forces were broken, disorganized; there came an exhaustion, a lassitude.

    The Long Roll

    Mary Johnston

  • My brain, disorganized, reeling with doubt, will madden me to death.

    Saronia

    Richard Short

  • They were no longer vicious and dangerous—they were only disorganized and panic-stricken.

    Dwellers in Arcady

    Albert Bigelow Paine

  • Their administration was disorganized and their treasuries were empty.

    The Sequel of Appomattox

    Walter Lynwood Fleming

  • One of the largest boys in the group rallied the disorganized mob.

British Dictionary definitions for disorganized

disorganize

disorganise

verb
  1. (tr) to disrupt or destroy the arrangement, system, or unity of
Show More
Derived Formsdisorganization or disorganisation, noundisorganizer or disorganiser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for disorganized

disorganize

v.

1793, from French désorganiser, from dés- "not" (see dis-) + organiser "organize" (see organize). This word and related forms were introduced in English in reference to the French Revolution. Related: Disorganized; disorganizing; disorganization.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper