disorderly
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪsˈɔːrdərli/
KK: /dɪsˈɔrdərli/
adjective
Definition
Not organized or arranged in a regular way; chaotic or messy.
Example
The room was left in a disorderly state after the party.
Conversation
Did you see the party last night?
Yeah, it was pretty disorderly with everyone dancing everywhere.
I thought it was fun, but it did get a bit chaotic at times.
Definitely! I prefer when things are a little more organized.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
chaotic
unruly
disorganized
Antonyms
orderly
organized
disciplined
adverb
Definition
In a way that is not organized or tidy; chaotic or messy.
Example
The papers were scattered disorderly across the table.
Conversation
Did you see how the kids were playing disorderly in the park yesterday?
Yeah, it was a bit chaotic, wasn't it?
Exactly! They were running around in such an disorderly way.
Root Explanation
Disorderly → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "order" (from Latin "ordo", meaning arrangement or order) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "disorderly" describes a manner that is away from or lacking in order.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'apart' ('dis-') from 'order' — that's why disorderly means lacking order.
Visually Confused Words
undisorderly
predisorderly
inorderly
orderly