Definition

The condition of being difficult to control or manage, often characterized by disorderly behavior.

Example

The teacher struggled with the unruliness of the students during the field trip.

Conversation

Have you noticed the unruliness of the kids in the park lately?

Yeah, they seem to be running wild everywhere!

I guess it's just that time of year when they get a bit more energetic.

Definitely! It's like they can't contain their excitement.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unruliness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "ruly" (from Middle English "rulie", meaning obedient or governed) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word "unruliness" refers to the state of not being obedient or difficult to control.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' being obedient ('un-') and the state of that disobedience ('-ness'). This helps you remember that unruliness means being difficult to control.

Visually Confused Words