What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distracting
Example
The noise from the construction site was very distracting. [distracting: adjective]
Example
She found the bright colors on her phone screen to be distracting while studying. [distracting: present participle]
disruptive
Example
The student's behavior was disruptive to the class and caused a lot of interruptions. [disruptive: adjective]
Example
The power outage was very disruptive to the company's operations. [disruptive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distracting is more commonly used in everyday language than disruptive. Distracting is a common word used to describe minor annoyances or irritations, while disruptive is reserved for more serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distracting and disruptive?
Disruptive is typically associated with a more formal tone, while distracting is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
