disorderly

[dis-awr-der-lee]

adjective

1. characterized by disorder; irregular; untidy; confused.

   a disorderly desk.

2. unruly; turbulent; tumultuous.

   a disorderly mob.

3. Law.,  contrary to public order or morality.

adverb

1. in a disorderly manner.

disorderly

/ dɪsˈɔːdəlɪ /

adjective

1. untidy; irregular

2. uncontrolled; unruly

3. law violating public peace or order

adverb

1. in an irregular or confused manner

Other Word Forms

• disorderliness noun
• undisorderly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disorderly¹

First recorded in 1555–65; dis- ¹ + orderly

Example Sentences

He documented MTA police in New York placing him in handcuffs for alleged disorderly conduct.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for the MTA Police Department confirmed in a statement that officers responded Thursday morning to a “report of a disorderly passenger” at the Fordham Metro-North station in the Bronx.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They said the matter was being investigated as "disorderly conduct", but could be widened if necessary.

Read more on BBC

Mr Brown added the case "runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further protests, some of which may be disorderly, around other asylum accommodation".

Read more on BBC

He said offences included disorderly behaviour, drink-driving, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• disruptive 
• fractious 
• raucous 
• rebellious 
• rowdy 
• unruly