disrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disrupted' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a situation in which an event or activity has been stopped or interrupted. Example: The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted normal life all around the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government recently warned that alternatives to HS2 could spell massive disruption on mainline railways, but expects others to accept massively disrupted local lives.

The Guardian

The internet disrupted the music business; Google disrupted the media; cloud-based companies could become disrupters in other inefficient industries.

The Economist

She chastised the luckless philanthropist, complaining that he had disrupted the choir's performance and that he might have caused a serious situation, what with the stampeding shoppers and all.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Katine, the two rainy seasons each year have been disrupted, with rainfall now irregular.

The Guardian

Jan Tilley, a final-year English student at the University of Leeds, struggled with excessive hair and acne due to the condition, and found that the visible signs disrupted her day-to-day life: "I felt insecure when I first found out, and it affected my confidence.

The Guardian

Renewable technology pays no dividends, has no obvious path to long-term profitability, can easily get disrupted and controls no resources.

The Guardian

Attacks by Boko Haram have disrupted connections further, meaning that there is an absence of an online community able to share news, photos and video reports of news as it unfolds.

The Guardian

There was shouting and aggression from the crowd about the men who had disrupted the voting.

The Guardian

Greater Anglia's 6.40am Braintree to London service was disrupted because the train was late leaving the depot, while the 6.24am Norwich to London service was cancelled.

The Guardian

"The risk he runs, however, is that the insurgency is not really defeated, only disrupted temporarily and for political posturing," he said.

The Guardian

He was politically active in New Zealand against the Vietnam war and the presence of American nuclear ships, and in 1981 during the Springboks' tour was arrested when the Hamilton game was disrupted by anti-apartheid protesters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disrupted", clearly specify what was disrupted and the cause of the disruption to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "disrupted" without providing sufficient context. Saying something was "disrupted" without explaining what or how can leave your audience confused.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disrupted" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb "disrupt". It describes something that has been interfered with, disturbed, or stopped from continuing normally. According to Ludwig, the term is correctly and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "disrupted" functions as a verb, describing something that has been disturbed or stopped from continuing normally. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts. It's typically employed to communicate an interruption or disturbance. While generally neutral in register, as it appears in news, business, and scientific sources, clarity is paramount: specify what was "disrupted" and the cause. Related terms include "interrupted" or "disturbed" offering nuanced alternatives. Ludwig's examples provide a comprehensive view of its application, making it a valuable resource for writers aiming for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupted

Focuses on a temporary cessation, less emphasis on disorder.

disturbed

Emphasizes a change from a state of peace or order.

impeded

Highlights the act of slowing down or preventing progress.

hampered

Suggests difficulty in movement or progress.

derailed

Implies a significant departure from the intended path or plan.

obstructed

Focuses on something being blocked or made difficult to pass.

disarranged

Highlights a lack of order or organization.

interfered with

Suggests unwanted involvement that changes the course of events.

thwarted

Emphasizes the prevention of someone's plans or efforts.

suspended

Focuses on a temporary halt or cessation.

FAQs

How can I use "disrupted" in a sentence?

You can use "disrupted" to describe an event, activity, or process that has been interrupted or disturbed. For example, "The pandemic "disrupted global supply chains"".

What are some alternatives to saying "disrupted"?

Alternatives include "interrupted", "disturbed", "impeded", or "hampered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "severely disrupted"?

Yes, "severely disrupted" is a correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the degree to which something has been interfered with or interrupted.

What's the difference between "disrupted" and "interrupted"?

"Disrupted" often implies a more significant disturbance or disorder, while "interrupted" typically suggests a temporary cessation. For instance, a power outage "disrupted the meeting", whereas a phone call "interrupted the speaker".