Word
awry
US/ɝˈaɪ/
UK/ɐɹˈaɪ/
Definition
adj. not in the correct position or direction. You use this to describe something that is slightly off or not quite right.
adj. not in the correct or intended position, direction, or state. Often used to describe a slight misalignment or a failure to achieve a desired result.
Examples
“The picture is slightly awry on the wall.”
“The plan went awry when the main speaker arrived late and forgot her notes.”
“The delicate balance of the ecosystem was thrown slightly awry by the sudden introduction of an invasive species that outcompeted the native plants for nutrients.”
Examples
simple
“The picture is slightly awry on the wall.”
contextual
“The plan went awry when the main speaker arrived late and forgot her notes.”
complex
“The delicate balance of the ecosystem was thrown slightly awry by the sudden introduction of an invasive species that outcompeted the native plants for nutrients.”
Real-World Examples
“The researchers applied their method to a variety of cellular model systems, demonstrating its potential to help reveal how cells go awry over time in disease and how drugs affect cells.” “You have to be very careful with it because it's very easy for that to go awry and to backfire on you.” Etymology
From Middle English awry, awrie. By surface analysis, a- + wry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/awry