What does reorganisation mean?
Reorganisation means the process of putting something into a new structure, order, or arrangement. It is especially common in relation to businesses, government departments, schools, charities, and administrative systems, where it can refer both to the act of restructuring and to the new structure that results. The term often implies more than a minor adjustment: a reorganisation may involve changing leadership, reporting lines, responsibilities, or the order in which activities are performed. For example, a company might announce a reorganisation designed to reduce duplication and accelerate decision-making. In British English the usual spelling is reorganisation, while American English normally uses reorganization. The word is formal but broadly understood and carries no inherently approving or negative connotation. Its practical meaning depends on context, since a reorganisation may either improve efficiency or merely reorganize responsibilities while leaving broader problems unresolved.
nounThe process of changing the organization, structure, or arrangement of something, especially a business, institution, or system. It also refers to the resulting new arrangement.
- The act of reorganizing or changing the structure, order, or arrangement of an organization, institution, system, or body of work.
- A new or revised structure resulting from such a process.
"The committee proposed a major reorganisation of the department to streamline decision-making."
"The newspaper survived a complete reorganisation of its editorial team."
"A reorganisation of the filing system made the records easier to retrieve."
"The charity underwent a major reorganisation in response to falling donations."
Used when referring to multiple reorganizations, especially separate changes in different institutions or parts of an organization.
"Several major reorganisations changed the way regional offices operated."
Sometimes a reorganisation means not building something new, but discovering that the pieces you already have can work better in a different order.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reorganisation come from?
Reorganisation is formed by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with organisation, meaning “the act of organizing” or “an organized arrangement.” Organisation entered English from French and ultimately relates to Latin organum, a term associated with organizing or arranging things. The re- prefix indicates that an existing arrangement is being organized anew rather than organized for the first time.
Related word forms
How reorganisation is actually used
The spelling reorganisation is standard in British English and common in other Commonwealth varieties; reorganization is the standard American spelling. The word is neutral in tone but often suggests a substantial and deliberate administrative or structural change. It is used more often for institutions, departments, and systems than for small personal arrangements.
Easily confused with reorganisation
An organisation is a group or institution, whereas reorganisation is the process of changing its structure or arrangement.
Reorganisation and reorganization are British and American spellings of the same noun.