disorganize

verb

dis·​or·​ga·​nize (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz 

disorganized; disorganizing; disorganizes

transitive verb

: to destroy or interrupt the orderly structure or function of

disorganization

(ˌ)dis-ˌȯr-gə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• confuse
• derange
• disarrange
• disarray
• discompose
• dishevel
• disjoint
• dislocate
• disorder
• disrupt
• disturb
• hash
• jumble
• mess (up)
• mix (up)
• muddle
• muss
• rumple
• scramble
• shuffle
• tousle
• tumble
• upset

Examples of disorganize in a Sentence

those unexpected problems that can disorganize an entire plan

Recent Examples on the Web

Stressed or disorganized: Organization and development of study habits are a key part of academic success. —Danielle Barreras, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025

Supply chains that move food from growers to market are also disorganized and reliant on middlemen, a situation that eats into farmers’ profits and leads to considerable wastage. —IEEE Spectrum, 10 Dec. 2024

Here are 5 ways to prioritize your work when your manager is disorganized: 1. —Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Combined with frequent personnel turnover, the sources claim that makes the mayor’s team disorganized and at times difficult to work with. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French désorganiser, from dés- dis- + organiser to organize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disorganize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

disorganize

verb

dis·​or·​ga·​nize (ˈ)dis-ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz 

: to break up the regular arrangement of : confuse, disorder

disorganization

(ˌ)dis-ˌȯrg-(ə-)nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun