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

In the end, Ukrainian troops conducted a chaotic retreat, with substantial losses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I think the most reductive view of Guiteau is ‘chaotic evil,’ right?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

First off, there are so many of them that the atmosphere can become chaotic.

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"Wings were chaotic and staff across most units were unable to confirm where all prisoners were during the working day," the report said.

Read more on BBC

By retracing the galaxy's violent mergers and chaotic beginnings, the researchers found that these ancient events could have significantly altered the shape and density of dark matter in its core.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

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