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

Other Word Forms

• disruptively adverb
• disruptiveness noun
• nondisruptive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disruptive¹

First recorded in 1835–45; disrupt + -ive

Example Sentences

"Proactive maintenance now helps us avoid the risk of deterioration that could lead to more disruptive closures in future," a spokesman said.

From BBC

"With so many drivers across the Bee Network walking out at once, this will be a highly disruptive strike that will bring parts of Greater Manchester to a standstill."

From BBC

“With excessive noise, disruptive behavior, obstruction of the public right of way, litter and vandalism, party houses are well-known to impact neighborhood quality and threaten public safety,” L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

"If a child is disruptive in class, they often aren't given those opportunities to prove themselves to be more than that," she says.

From BBC

Rachel, the bus driver, says noisy behaviour can be highly disruptive when she's driving.

From BBC

Related Words

• disturbing 
• rowdy 
• troublesome 
• unruly 
• upsetting