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Definitions

disorderly

[dis-awr-der-lee] / dɪsˈɔr dər li /
ADJECTIVE
messy, untidy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chaotic disorganized jumbled undisciplined
WEAK
all over the place cluttered confused dislocated heterogeneous indiscriminate irregular mixed-up out of step out of whack out-of-control scattered scrambled slovenly topsy-turvy tumult uncombed unkempt unmethodical unrestrained unsystematic untrained
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ordered organized systematic
WEAK
arranged behaved conforming disciplined manageable neat orderly systematized trim well-behaved
ADJECTIVE
causing trouble; unlawful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disruptive fractious raucous rebellious rowdy unruly
WEAK
boisterous disobedient drunk indisciplined intemperate noisy obstreperous off-base on-a-tear out of line out-of-order refractory riotous stormy termagant turbulent uncompliant uncontrollable ungovernable unmanageable wayward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm compliant obedient quiet
WEAK
arranged behaved conforming disciplined manageable neat ordered orderly organized systematized trim well-behaved

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a research note sent late Thursday, the firm agrees that action in some parts of the market has become disorderly of late, a sign that some traders are being forced to exit positions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Then the police arrived, officers responding to 911 calls about a disorderly crowd.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

It also brings them in line with race and religion, which already have defined charges, such as racially-aggravated disorderly behaviour.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

But the emphasis has shifted from reigniting speculation to preventing a disorderly unwind—a choice that limits upside while capping systemic risk.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

The man’s body was a bony shell inside rumpled clothing that hung on him like a disorderly collection of sacks.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing disorderly

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