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 of disorganize

• disrupt
• disturb
• confuse

Examples of disorganize in a Sentence

those unexpected problems that can disorganize an entire plan

Recent Examples on the Web

That these issues are now coming to light is indicative of a planning process that — in typical Dallas fashion — has been disorganized, rushed and lacking in transparency from its inception. —Mark Lamster architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026

Case in point: The Knicks were disorganized offensively, to say the least, to start the first quarter but hung tough with their defense long enough for Jalen Brunson to erupt for one of his signature early outbursts. —Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026

Iran’s opposition, meanwhile, is disorganized and has little common vision for the country’s future beyond a desire to get rid of the clerics. —Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

The closet is probably the easiest room to ignore when things get disorganized. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French désorganiser, from dés- dis- + organiser to organize

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disorganize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

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