chaotic

[key-ot-ik]

adjective

1. completely confused or disordered.

   a chaotic mass of books and papers.

   Antonyms: systematic, orderly

Other Word Forms

• chaotically adverb
• nonchaotic adjective
• nonchaotically adverb
• semichaotic adjective
• semichaotically adverb
• unchaotic adjective
• unchaotically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaotic¹

First recorded in 1705–15; chao(s) + -tic

Example Sentences

Its slow rotation means that it is more easily disturbed by collisions, which can knock the asteroid into a chaotic tumble.

Read more on Science Daily

Although police can still use less-lethal weapons to contain unruly demonstrators, the city claimed the rules put officers at risk of hesitating in chaotic situations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, however, I watch them and it looks a bit chaotic.

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It was a quiet moment to mark the end of a chaotic eight-week trial that forever altered the public's image of Combs - once one of the world's most famous rappers.

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After a chaotic build-up, which involved a row over ticket allocations, the visitors made the early running.

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Related Words

• anarchic 
• disorganized 
• helter-skelter 
• lawless 
• tumultuous 
• turbulent