awry

[uh-rahy]

adverb

1. with a turn or twist to one side; askew.

   to glance or look awry.

2. away from the expected or proper direction; amiss; wrong.

   Our plans went awry.

awry

/ əˈraɪ /

adverb

1. with a slant or twist to one side; askew

2. away from the appropriate or right course; amiss

Word History and Origins

Origin of awry¹

First recorded in 1325–75, awry is from Middle English on wry. See a- ¹, wry

Word History and Origins

Origin of awry¹

C14 on wry; see _a- ², _wry

Example Sentences

But the lap went awry at the next corner.

Read more on BBC

It isn’t the only reunion to go awry among the titles included in the collection, though it does so in the most astonishing fashion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He’s rough-hewn, simple, hardworking, not immune to the impermanent nature of the world but brought up short when that world goes awry; Mr. Edgerton has to give emotional depth to a laconic character.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

What they don't have enough of is warriors who come alive when things are going awry.

Read more on BBC

Even so, there were plenty of moments when even the best-laid plans went awry.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amiss 
• askew 
• astray 
• wrong