Word
disarray
Phoneticsdis·ar·ray, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪsəˈɹeɪ/
UK/dˌɪsɐɹˈeɪ/
Definition
n. a state of confusion or disorder. You use this to describe a situation where things are messy or not organized at all.
n. a state of confusion, disorder, or lack of organization. Often used to describe physical objects, systems, or social situations.
Examples
“The office was in total disarray after the move.”
“The sudden resignation of the CEO left the entire company in a state of disarray.”
“Despite the initial chaos and disarray following the merger, the management team managed to stabilize the operations within a few months.”
Examples
simple
“The office was in total disarray after the move.”
contextual
“The sudden resignation of the CEO left the entire company in a state of disarray.”
complex
“Despite the initial chaos and disarray following the merger, the management team managed to stabilize the operations within a few months.”
Etymology
From Middle English disareyen (“to disarray”), from Middle French desarroyer, from Old French desareer, from des- (“dis-”) + areer (“to array”).
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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