What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disorientation
Example
After the car accident, she experienced disorientation and couldn't remember where she was. [disorientation: noun]
Example
The maze was so confusing that it caused disorientation among the participants. [disorientation: noun]
vertigo
Example
The height of the building caused her to experience vertigo. [vertigo: noun]
Example
He felt a sudden onset of vertigo while standing up too quickly. [vertigo: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disorientation is more commonly used in everyday language than vertigo. Disorientation is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while vertigo is more specific and often used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disorientation and vertigo?
Vertigo is a more formal word than disorientation, as it is often used in medical or scientific contexts. Disorientation is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.