disorganize
gb/dɪsˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/ us/dɪsˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
C1
action
1
make something messy or untidy
To make something not neat or ordered.
Usage pattern:
disorganize [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may use *unorganize* (uncommon) instead of *disorganize*, or confuse the US spelling *disorganize* with UK *disorganise*.
Synonyms
mess up (More informal and common in speech.)
|
disarrange (Often used for moving things out of place (e.g., hair, furniture).)
|
throw into disorder (Emphasizes a sudden change from order to disorder.)
Antonyms
organize (Put things into a clear, ordered arrangement.)
|
tidy (Make a place neat and clean.)
Collocations
disorganize a room
|disorganize a desk
|disorganize a closet
|disorganize papers
|disorganize files
|disorganize a bookshelf
|disorganize a workspace
|disorganize the contents
|disorganize a pile of documents
|disorganize the drawers
Themes
daily_life
|home
|objects
Examples
- The movers disorganized the boxes, and we couldn’t find anything for days.
- Please don’t disorganize the files—those folders are in a specific order.
- The kids disorganized the living room while I was on a call.
Learner examples
- I disorganized my desk by accident.
- Don’t disorganize the papers.
Verb
C1
action
2
disrupt an organized system or plan
To damage how well something is planned or arranged.
Usage pattern:
disorganize [a process/system/organization]
Common mistake:
Learners may choose *disorganize* when they mean *delay* or *interrupt*; *disorganize* focuses on harming structure or coordination, not just stopping temporarily.
Synonyms
disrupt (More general; can be temporary without implying lasting disorder.)
|
undermine (Suggests weakening from within or over time.)
|
throw off (Often refers to making a plan or schedule go wrong.)
Antonyms
coordinate (Arrange people or parts to work together effectively.)
|
streamline (Make a system simpler and more efficient.)
Collocations
disorganize a schedule
|disorganize a workflow
|disorganize operations
|disorganize a team
|disorganize an organization
|disorganize a supply chain
|disorganize a campaign
|disorganize the system
|disorganize the routine
|disorganize production
Themes
work
|business
|planning
|government
Examples
- The sudden resignation disorganized the department and slowed decision-making.
- Frequent last-minute changes disorganized the project and frustrated the team.
- The cyberattack disorganized the company’s operations for weeks.
Learner examples
- The change disorganized our plan.
Verb
formal
C2
process
3
make someone confused and unfocused
To make someone feel confused and unable to think clearly.
Usage pattern:
disorganize [someone]
Common mistake:
This use is less common in everyday speech; learners often prefer *confuse* or *upset*.
Synonyms
confuse (More common; focuses on not understanding.)
|
unsettle (Emphasizes emotional disturbance.)
|
destabilize (More technical; suggests loss of stability or control.)
Antonyms
compose (Help someone become calm and controlled again.)
|
steady (Make someone more stable and focused.)
Collocations
emotionally disorganize someone
|temporarily disorganize someone
|disorganize a patient
|disorganize thinking
|disorganize behavior
|disorganize attention
Themes
emotions
|health
|psychology
Examples
- The unexpected news disorganized him, and he struggled to finish his presentation.
- Lack of sleep can disorganize your thinking and make simple tasks feel difficult.
- The loud interruptions disorganized her concentration during the exam.
Learner examples
- The noise disorganized my thinking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
disorganize
IPA
GB/dɪsˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/
US/dɪsˈɔɹɡənˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
dis - or - gan - ize (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (or)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: disorganize
- 3rd Person Singular: disorganizes
- Present Participle: disorganizing
- Past: disorganized
Word family
Forms
disorganizes
verb
disorganizing
verb
disorganized
verb
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unorganized
adjective
Advanced or less common
organizationally
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.