English Reference
adjective · adverb

disorderly

adj. · adv.
US /dɪˈsɔɹdɝɫi/ UK /dɪsˈɔːdəli/ dis·or·der·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.not neat or organized; messy.

    adj.lacking a systematic arrangement or organized pattern; characterized by disarray.

    Simple

    The desk was covered in a disorderly pile of old newspapers and mail.

    In context

    The evacuation was a disorderly affair, with residents fleeing in various directions rather than following the established emergency protocols.

    untidymessychaotic
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    adj.behaving in a loud, rude, or violent way that breaks public rules.

    adj.violating public order, peace, or decency; often used in legal contexts regarding unruly behavior.

    Simple

    The police arrested several people for disorderly conduct after the protest turned violent.

    In context

    The magistrate warned that any further disorderly behavior in the courtroom would result in immediate contempt charges.

    unrulylawlessriotous
    law abidingdisciplined
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adv.doing something in a way that is not organized or controlled.

    adv.in a manner characterized by a lack of order, discipline, or systematic arrangement.

    Simple

    The crowd moved disorderly toward the exits when the alarm rang.

    In context

    The documents were filed so disorderly that it took the auditors three weeks to reconstruct the financial history of the firm.

    chaoticallyhaphazardly

Etymology 1

From disorder + -ly (adjectival suffix) or from dis- + orderly.

Etymology 2

From disorder + -ly (adverbial suffix) or from dis- + orderly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated