What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dislocation
Example
The athlete suffered a dislocation in his shoulder during the game. [dislocation: noun]
Example
The dislocation of the furniture made the room look cluttered. [dislocation: noun]
Example
The company experienced a dislocation in their supply chain due to the pandemic. [dislocation: noun]
displacement
Example
The displacement of the boat caused it to drift away from the shore. [displacement: noun]
Example
The new manager's arrival led to the displacement of several employees. [displacement: noun]
Example
The refugees faced displacement from their homes due to the war. [displacement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Displacement is more commonly used than dislocation in everyday language, especially in social or political contexts. Dislocation is more specialized and is typically used in medical or anatomical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dislocation and displacement?
Both dislocation and displacement can be used in formal or technical contexts, but dislocation is more likely to be used in scientific or medical writing, while displacement is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
