disruption
Say it: dis-RUP-shun /dɪsˈrʌpʃən/ · noun
What “disruption” means
A new way of doing business that shakes up an industry.
More precisely: A major shake-up of an industry caused by a new product, technology or business model.
Example: “Streaming caused massive disruption in the music industry.”
When to use it
In business, when a new invention or model changes how an entire industry operates. It suggests a major change.
Similar words
upheaval, transformation, shake-up
Where it comes from
From Latin disrumpere, "to break apart."
Quick check
Cheap digital cameras replace film for most photographers, forcing labs and manufacturers to change their businesses. That industry shake-up is…
disruption or a fluctuation?
Show the answer
disruption
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