disrupting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disrupting' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to disturb or interrupt the normal course of something. For example, you could say: “The government's new policy is disrupting the status quo.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's definitely disrupting everyone," said Ryan Lai, a researcher at IDC. "Now consumers expect phones with high-end specs at low prices".

The Guardian - Tech

It is fair to say that he has been responsible in his own way for disrupting the sleep of others.

The Guardian - Film

Sadder still, though, are the glimpses of drab blocks of flats in the background of some of the images, their looming presence disrupting the sense of ancient mystery.

The Guardian - Arts

Is it a coincidence that Ukip is suddenly plunged into the same sort of intensely personal in-fighting that has been disrupting its far nastier rival, the French Front National, across the Channel?

The Guardian

Nor will the Carswell agenda itemised at his press conference – changing the law so that erring MPs can be recalled, or regaining control of the UK's borders, or even disrupting sofa government – be advanced by his departure for Ukip.

The Guardian - Opinion

The war on whistleblowers has now escalated to disrupting journalists' communications.

The Guardian

How to harness the technological changes that are disrupting established industries and destroying jobs to create new, better opportunities?

The Guardian

Do you carry a batsman averaging 26 for as long as the net results are positive, or run the risk of disrupting a thriving ecosystem?

The Guardian - Sport

Fiennes said: "We're disrupting management, which is exactly what we wanted to do.

The Guardian

They also agreed to a deal with the French to supply power stations with electricity by doubling the size of the cable connecting the two countries, and to switch coal deliveries to power stations from rail to road to prevent the unions from disrupting deliveries.

The Guardian

The protest began at Town Hall and ended in front of Flinders St Station at about 5pm, disrupting commuters during peak hour as thousands of people staged a "sit-in" in front of the station.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disrupting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being interrupted or disturbed to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying, 'The technology is disrupting', specify 'The technology is disrupting traditional business models'.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "disrupting" as a buzzword in business contexts. While it can accurately describe innovation, overuse can dilute its impact. Opt for more specific verbs like 'transforming', 'revolutionizing', or 'redefining' to convey the exact nature of the change.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disrupting" is a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is disrupting") or as a gerund modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "disrupting" functions as a present participle, describing an ongoing action of interrupting or disturbing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts. It often appears in news and media, formal and business, and science. While the word implies change, it doesn't inherently carry a positive or negative connotation. Alternatives like "interrupting", "disturbing", or "interfering with" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Avoid overusing "disrupting" as a mere buzzword, especially in business contexts, where more specific verbs may better convey the type of change occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupting

This alternative focuses on the act of momentarily halting an action or process.

disturbing

This alternative emphasizes the creation of unease or disorder.

interfering with

This alternative highlights the obstruction or hindrance of something.

obstructing

This alternative stresses the blocking or impeding of progress.

hindering

This alternative conveys the slowing down or impeding of something.

impeding

This alternative signifies the act of delaying or preventing progress.

derailing

This alternative suggests the causing of something to go off course.

sabotaging

This alternative implies the deliberate undermining or destruction of something.

perturbing

This alternative indicates causing anxiety or unsettled feeling.

unsettling

This alternative emphasizes the creation of instability or unease.

FAQs

How can I use "disrupting" in a sentence?

You can use "disrupting" to describe something that is interrupting or disturbing a process, industry, or system. For example, "New technologies are "disrupting" traditional business models".

What are some alternatives to "disrupting"?

Some alternatives to "disrupting" include "interrupting", "disturbing", or "interfering with", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to say something is "disrupting" an industry?

Not necessarily. While "disrupting" can imply a negative interruption, it often suggests a transformative change that can lead to innovation and progress. The connotation depends on the context.

What's the difference between "disrupting" and "disturbing"?

"Disrupting" often implies a more significant and systemic interruption, while "disturbing" suggests a less profound and often temporary interruption.