A technology is termed disruptive when it fundamentally alters the way industries operate, often displacing established technologies or business models. Disruptive innovations typically emerge with a lower cost, improved performance, or new functionalities that appeal to a previously underserved market. Over time, these innovations can tear down competitive barriers, forcing existing companies to adapt or face obsolescence. Examples include the rise of streaming services over traditional cable TV and the widespread adoption of smartphones disrupting personal computing.