disjunction

noun

dis·​junc·​tion dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: a sharp cleavage : disunion, separation

the disjunction between theory and practice

2

: a compound sentence in logic formed by joining two simple statements by or:

a

: inclusive disjunction

b

: exclusive disjunction

Did you know?

Disjunction vs Disconnect

A disjunction may be a mere lack of connection between two things, or a large gulf. There's often a huge disjunction between what people expect from computers and what they know about them, and the disjunction between a star's public image and her actual character may be just as big. We may speak of the disjunction between science and morality, between doing and telling, or between knowing and explaining. In recent years, disjunction seem to have been losing out to a newer synonym, the noun disconnect.

Examples of disjunction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But that spontaneity is balanced out with canny studio manipulation by producer Scotty Hard, who juxtaposes grooves and riffs and knits songs together, finding through lines and punctuating disjunctions. —Reed Jackson, SPIN, 30 Mar. 2026

As Burton suggests, there is more at stake in the opposing elements of Bove’s sculptures than just formal disjunction. —Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

The Picture-Perfect Profile While a disjunction between a student’s major and profile can raise red flags, the opposite extreme can be just as concerning. —Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026

So Sacco depicts both variations, while drawing out their disjunctions through commentary and supplementary reporting. —Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing disjunction

• exclusive disjunction
• inclusive disjunction

Rhymes for disjunction

• adjunction
• compunction
• conjunction
• dysfunction
• injunction
• inunction
• malfunction
• eigenfunction
• multifunction
• function
• junction
• unction

Medical Definition

disjunction

noun

dis·​junc·​tion dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

: the separation of chromosomes or chromatids during anaphase of mitosis or meiosis