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

In recent years, airlines began to carry plastic handcuffs as a way to restrain disruptive passengers.

—Erik Holm

Other 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

disruptively adverb

acting disruptively

disruptiveness noun

… the disruptiveness of climatic change will depend strongly on the rate of change.

—Roger Revelle

Examples of disruptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just do something disruptive, stand on it, and not really follow what everybody’s doing. —Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 5 May 2025

While disruptive to e-commerce, the end of de minimis treatment of Chinese goods could give a boost to retailers less reliant on e-commerce or on Chinese manufacturing. —Helen Reid, USA Today, 4 May 2025

The long stretch of disruptive severe weather and flash flooding across portions of the central and eastern United States will be shifting east Saturday. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 May 2025

That comes on top of steps the task force said the university already has taken, including developing mandatory training on combating antisemitism for all students and staff, reviewing curriculum and limiting disruptive protests, including in places like libraries and dorms. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disruptive

• eruptive

Medical Definition

disruptive

adjective

dis·​rup·​tive dis-ˈrəp-tiv 

: characterized by psychologically disorganized behavior

a confused, incoherent, and disruptive patient in the manic phase