1
: lack of order
clothes in disorder
2
: breach of the peace or public order
troubled times marked by social disorders
3
: an abnormal physical or mental condition
a liver disorder
a personality disorder
Synonyms
Examples of disorder in a Sentence
Verb
be careful not to disorder the carefully arranged contents of the dresser
Noun
The mayor is concerned that a rally could create public disorder.
problems of crime and social disorder
Millions of people suffer from some form of personality disorder.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024
The structure explains why things remain disordered outside of a complex.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 19 Sep. 2023
Sandra G. Boodman, Washington Post, 13 July 2024
One 2019 study suggests metabolic disorders like hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to a child having autism.11 High blood sugar or hyperglycemia after birth may also play a role, according to the same study.
—Michelle Pugle Updated, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for disorder 
Verb
When regular gym-goers don’t see these same results, body dysmorphia and disordered eating practices can worsen, according to Davis.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024
The structure explains why things remain disordered outside of a complex.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 19 Sep. 2023
Noun
His death remained a particularly traumatic event for Glover, whose chaotic, violence-scarred childhood had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Sandra G. Boodman, Washington Post, 13 July 2024
One 2019 study suggests metabolic disorders like hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to a child having autism.11 High blood sugar or hyperglycemia after birth may also play a role, according to the same study.
—Michelle Pugle Updated, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for disorder
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disorder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near disorder
Cite this Entry
“Disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disorder. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disorder
1 of 2 verb
dis·or·der
(ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər 
1
: to disturb the order of
2
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of
disorder
2 of 2 noun1
: lack of order : a state or condition without order
clothes in disorder
2
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment
Medical Definition
disorder
1 of 2 transitive verb
dis·or·der
(ˈ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər, (ˈ)diz-
disordered; disordering
-ˈȯrd-(ə-)riŋ
: to disturb the regular or normal functions of
disorder
2 of 2 noun
: an abnormal physical or mental condition : ailment
an intestinal disorder
a nervous disorder
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