VocabDictionary

disorderly

/dɪˈsɔːrdərli/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Lacking organization, neatness, or proper arrangement; characterized by unruly or riotous behavior.

Example Sentences:
  • The police arrested the man for disorderly conduct after he began shouting in the restaurant.
  • Her desk was in a disorderly state, covered in stacks of unfiled papers and empty coffee cups.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “disorderly”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'disorder', which comes from the Old French 'desordre', combining the prefix 'des-' (expressing reversal or negation) and 'ordre' (order), rooted in the Latin 'ordinare' (to set in order). The suffix '-ly' was added to form the adjective indicating a state of lacking order.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'dis-order-ly': It is a person who is 'dis' (missing) 'order' 'ly' (like a mess).

Frequently Asked Questions About “disorderly

1. What is the meaning of “disorderly” in English?

In English, disorderly (adjective) is defined as: “Lacking organization, neatness, or proper arrangement; characterized by unruly or riotous behavior.”.

2. How do you use “disorderly” in a sentence?

The police arrested the man for disorderly conduct after he began shouting in the restaurant.

3. What are English synonyms of “disorderly”?

Common synonyms include:chaotic,unruly,disorganized,messy,tumultuous

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “disorderly”?

Derived from the Middle English 'disorder', which comes from the Old French 'desordre', combining the prefix 'des-' (expressing reversal or negation) and 'ordre' (order), rooted in the Latin 'ordinare' (to set in order). The suffix '-ly' was added to form the adjective indicating a state of lacking order.