disorder

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disorder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a condition or system which is not in an organized or orderly state, or in which the necessary parts or elements are not properly connected. For example, "The recent political unrest has led to a noticeable disorder in the country's government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A special motion condemning the riots and supporting those on the sharp end of seven days of disorder was backed across the Stormont assembly floor.

The Guardian

In 2008, Sheehan, who suffers from schizoaffective disorder, stopped taking her medication.

The Guardian

They diagnosed my eldest daughter with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – our local services had missed this totally – and offered therapy to my youngest daughter to help her deal with nightmares.

The Guardian

The minute there was disorder in a class, my daughter became unstable and she became the problem.

The Guardian

"If you're suffering from an eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa in particular, your rate of suicide is 32 times higher than someone who is not suffering," she said.

The Guardian

They're suffering from a chronic itch disorder that's undiagnosed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has been suggested that the more a black woman adopts western standards of beauty – which tend to equate being thin with being beautiful – the more likely she is to suffer from an eating disorder.

The Guardian - Opinion

The book is set in a psychiatric hospital after she was diagnosed with a personality disorder.

The Guardian

"Had she not have had an eating disorder, she would have been physically stronger," he said.

The Guardian - Music

In an earlier session, Lord Owen delved into medical detail about the 20th century's political leaders, from Winston Churchill dictating memos to his secretary while he lay naked in the bath, a common manifestation, apparently, of bipolar disorder, to John F Kennedy concealing a life-threatening disease from voters all the way through to Blair's messianic hubris.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apsley Cherry-Garrard, one of the survivors of Scott's doomed 1910 expedition, wrote the book as a means of overcoming what would now be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions, be specific about the type of "disorder" to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "eating disorder" or "anxiety disorder" instead of just "disorder".

Common error

Avoid using "disorder" as a catch-all term for vaguely defined problems. Provide context or specify the type of "disorder" to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The noun "disorder" primarily functions as a descriptor for a state lacking order or a disturbance, be it in a physical, social, or medical context. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, and examples show its versatility across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "disorder" functions as a noun, generally signifying a lack of order, arrangement, or normal function. As indicated by Ludwig, this term is grammatically correct and widely applicable, primarily surfacing in News & Media and Science contexts. It serves the communicative purpose of describing disruption or malfunction across various domains, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for professional or objective reporting. While versatile, clarity is crucial, especially in medical or technical contexts, recommending specific classification to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "chaos", "unrest", or "condition" can be considered based on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of order

Focuses on the absence of a structured arrangement.

state of chaos

Emphasizes the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the situation.

absence of structure

Highlights the lack of a defined framework or arrangement.

public disturbance

Highlights the disruption of public peace and order.

civic unrest

Refers to a state of agitation and disruption within a community.

organizational breakdown

Specifically points to the failure of a system or structure.

systemic disruption

Implies a widespread and significant interruption of normal operations.

medical condition

Used in the context of health, referring to a specific ailment or disease.

health issue

A general term for a problem related to physical or mental health.

behavioral problem

Denotes difficulties in conduct or emotional regulation.

FAQs

How can I use "disorder" in a sentence?

You can use "disorder" to refer to a state of chaos or a medical condition. For example, "The teacher struggled to control the "disorder" in the classroom", or "She was diagnosed with a sleep "disorder"".

What can I say instead of "disorder"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "chaos", "unrest", or "condition".

Is it appropriate to use "disorder" when discussing mental health?

Yes, "disorder" is a commonly used term in the context of mental health. However, it's important to use it respectfully and avoid stigmatizing language.

What's the difference between "disorder" and "disease"?

"Disease" generally refers to a specific illness with identifiable physical symptoms, while ""disorder"" can encompass a broader range of physical or mental conditions that disrupt normal functioning.