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

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

What the athletes did know is that the competitions were disorganized, even a disaster. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 21 July 2024

Her own primary campaign for president in 2020 was disorganized and short-lived. —Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 21 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