disruptive
adjective
dis·rup·tive
dis-ˈrəp-tiv 
: disrupting or tending to disrupt some process, activity, condition, etc. : causing or tending to cause disruption
a disruptive weather pattern
It is hoped that, if the child learns that disruptive behavior brings no rewards, his tantrums will diminish and perhaps stop.—
Susan Sheehan
Susan SheehanIn recent years, airlines began to carry plastic handcuffs as a way to restrain disruptive passengers.—Erik Holm
Erik HolmOther teammates marvel at how easily he morphs from a mild-mannered family man in the locker room into a disruptive force on the field.—Jefri Chadiha
Jefri Chadiha
disruptively
adverb
acting disruptively
disruptiveness
noun
… the disruptiveness of climatic change will depend strongly on the rate of change.
—Roger Revelle
Roger Revelle
Examples of disruptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Unlike many disruptive technologies that require expensive overhauls, AI agents work with what’s already in place, ensuring a smooth transition that maximizes their benefits without creating friction.
—Daniel Fallmann, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The massive Nolen is a disruptive presence on the interior and contributes as a pass-rusher and a run-stopper.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Eric Baxter, the lawyer representing the parents who oppose these books, seemed quite emboldened during Tuesday’s argument, and advocated for a result that would be extraordinarily disruptive.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 22 Apr. 2025
How a disruptive summer of change in the boardroom, that struggle to comply with PSR, failing to sign a first-XI player, uncertainty in the dressing room, all leeched into early results.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disruptive
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Daniel Fallmann, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
The massive Nolen is a disruptive presence on the interior and contributes as a pass-rusher and a run-stopper.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Eric Baxter, the lawyer representing the parents who oppose these books, seemed quite emboldened during Tuesday’s argument, and advocated for a result that would be extraordinarily disruptive.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 22 Apr. 2025
How a disruptive summer of change in the boardroom, that struggle to comply with PSR, failing to sign a first-XI player, uncertainty in the dressing room, all leeched into early results.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disruptive
Cite this Entry
“Disruptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disruptive. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
disruptive
adjective
dis·rup·tive
dis-ˈrəp-tiv
: characterized by psychologically disorganized behavior
a confused, incoherent, and disruptive patient in the manic phase
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