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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

He and three others were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

In the past, that’s how financial market selloffs have turned disorderly.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

The bells were ringing again, high in the scudding sunlight in bright disorderly tatters of sound.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.