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

His comments echoed those of commissioners past after executions that appeared brutal and disorganized. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024

The event was disorganized, upset attendees and even inspired two documentaries about the chaos: Netflix's FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened and Hulu's Fyre Fraud. —Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

To the casual passerby, this scrappy operation might look disorganized and cluttered. —Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2024

While this system is disorganized, a more concentrated lobe of spin will probably evolve over the next few days, around which a storm will develop. —Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

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