adjective
-
untidy; irregular
-
uncontrolled; unruly
-
law violating public peace or order
adverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disorderly
Explanation
Something that's disorderly is chaotic and messy, or unruly and out of control. A disorderly classroom might be the result of the teacher leaving for several minutes to answer a phone call. It's one thing if your bedroom tends to be disorderly, with clothes and books scattered across the floor, but it's another thing to feel like your life itself is disorderly, confusing and unpredictable. Sometimes disorderly is used in a legal context to mean "destructive, or not law-abiding." You might be charged with disorderly conduct if you take part in a protest that's viewed by law enforcement as disorderly, or going against "law and and order."
Vocabulary lists containing disorderly
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 videos posted to his Instagram Story from, during and after the incident, Strickland states he “might be going to jail” and “may have been charged with disorderly conduct.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026
“That would be consistent with Brent crude prices reaching an all-time nominal peak, and could require more disorderly and economically damaging cuts to oil demand,” Hussain adds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
But Gespass had video proof that the prosecution’s argument about Gamble’s disorderly conduct was absurd.
From Slate ● May 4, 2026
One of those was US rapper Lil TJay, real name Tione Jayden Merritt, who has been charged with disorderly conduct.
From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2026
She looked down at the disorderly little pile of handbag freight on the tablecloth.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
