Definition

Not easy to control or manage; behaving in a way that is disorderly or disruptive.

Example

The unruly crowd made it difficult for the concert to start on time.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen how unruly the kids in the park are today?

Yeah, they seem to be running wild everywhere!

It's tough to keep them in line when they get so unruly.

For sure! Sometimes it feels like they just want to have fun without any rules.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Unruly** → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "ruly" (from Old French *rulie*, meaning governed or controlled). The word "unruly" describes someone or something that is not governed or controlled, often implying disorderly behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being applied to 'governed' ('ruly') — that's why unruly means not controlled or disorderly.

Visually Confused Words