What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perturbation
Example
The perturbation in the power grid caused a blackout in the city. [perturbation: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of perturbation when she realized she had lost her phone. [perturbation: noun]
Example
The scientist observed a perturbation in the experiment's results. [perturbation: noun]
disruption
Example
The construction work caused a disruption in traffic flow. [disruption: noun]
Example
The pandemic caused a disruption in the global economy. [disruption: noun]
Example
The teacher had to deal with constant disruptions during the lesson. [disruptions: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disruption is more commonly used than perturbation in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perturbation and disruption?
Perturbation is more formal than disruption and is often used in technical or scientific writing.
