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Synonyms

disorderly

American  
[dis-awr-der-lee] / dɪsˈɔr dər li /

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 British  
/ dɪsˈɔːdəlɪ /

adjective

  1. untidy; irregular

  2. uncontrolled; unruly

  3. law violating public peace or order

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. in an irregular or confused manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • disorderliness noun
  • undisorderly adjective

Etymology

Origin of disorderly

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

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.

Japanese authorities have intensified their unified warnings against “disorderly” market movements, the senior FX strategist says, noting recent remarks from officials, such as Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs Atsushi Mimura.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a research note sent late Thursday, the firm agrees that action in some parts of the market has become disorderly of late, a sign that some traders are being forced to exit positions.

From MarketWatch

He and three others were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.

From BBC

Mr. Tillis said the disorderly approach, including in Minneapolis, is “beginning to get the American people to think that deporting people is wrong.”

From The Wall Street Journal

They said the disorderly market for gas pricing threatens the eurozone’s industrial consumption.

From MarketWatch

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.