Disjointedness

Disjointedness refers to the state or quality of being disconnected, lacking cohesion, or presenting a fragmented and illogical structure. It signifies a breakdown in the natural flow or relationship between parts, ideas, or events. This fragmented state can manifest in various forms, such as a narrative lacking a clear storyline, thoughts jumping erratically between unrelated topics, or actions that seem out of sync with the prevailing context. The term highlights a lack of continuity and coherence, causing confusion or a sense of incompleteness. It is a characteristic often associated with ineffective communication, disrupted processes, or a general absence of harmonious integration. Its presence suggests a lack of a unified framework, where elements are perceived as separate and unrelated.

Disjointedness meaning with examples

• The committee meeting was marked by disjointedness. Members continually interrupted each other, and topics changed abruptly, making it difficult to follow any coherent line of discussion. Decisions made seemed poorly considered because they were not grounded in any previous framework or strategy, and often lacked clarity because they could not reference the last topic.
• The author's experimental novel exhibited disjointedness; it consisted of short, unrelated scenes and fragmented narratives that did not progress a single plot. Despite creative writing, its lack of flow made it challenging and, at times, frustrating to read, leaving the reader unsure of what was happening and with little emotional investment in the narrative.
• After the power outage, the emergency broadcast system’s messages displayed disjointedness; the announcements were made sporadically, with critical information mixed with irrelevant updates. The public experienced the fragmented information in a chaotic manner, experiencing a lack of clear instructions, causing widespread confusion and potential safety risks.
• The patient’s speech reflected a state of profound disjointedness; their sentences lacked grammatical structure, and the conversation jumped between topics without any logical transitions. The lack of cohesive thought patterns displayed serious cognitive dysfunction and made it impossible for medical staff to obtain a full assessment of their condition.