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

But they fell at the first hurdle, outgunned by Belgium in another chaotic shootout after losing 4-3 in Brussels in June.

Read more on BBC

Nonlinear multimode optical systems have often been viewed as chaotic and difficult to control.

Read more on Science Daily

While many of the detentions at 26 Federal Plaza are swift and non-violent, reporters and lawyers have witnessed several chaotic episodes in recent weeks.

Read more on BBC

It was a casual semi-joke she made to a friend months ago when her schedule was chaotic between traveling, moving to a new apartment, writing and more.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the latter, another youngster emerges from a chaotic throng of people, standing apart from the hubbub while carrying a stack of books, suggesting that education offered opportunities to escape these harried circumstances.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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