What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disorientated
Example
After the car accident, I was disorientated and couldn't remember where I was. [disorientated: adjective]
Example
The unfamiliar streets left me feeling disorientated and unsure of which way to go. [disorientated: verb]
disoriented
Example
The loud noise disoriented me and made it hard to concentrate. [disoriented: verb]
Example
The dizzying heights of the rollercoaster left me feeling disoriented and unsteady. [disoriented: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disoriented is more common than disorientated in American English, while disorientated is more common in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disorientated and disoriented?
Disoriented is considered more formal than disorientated, making it more appropriate for academic or professional writing. However, both words can be used in informal contexts as well.
