disorderly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disorderly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, behavior, or environment that is chaotic, untidy, or lacking in order. Example: "The room was left in a disorderly state after the party, with clothes and empty bottles scattered everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Introduces on-the-spot fixed penalties for a range of minor offences, including being drunk and disorderly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The censors' original 43 "grounds for deletion" list from 1916 included several amusingly old-fashioned points, including scenes of "vitriol throwing", "scenes laid in disorderly houses", "vulgar accessories in the staging", "indecorous dancing" and scenes likely to "bring into disrepute British prestige in the Empire".

The Guardian - Film

But a Manhattan judge ruled on Monday that under a timeline set out by federal law, a warrant is only needed for the final day's worth of messages from Harris, who is accused of disorderly conduct in relation to a protest on the Brooklyn Bridge in October.

The Guardian

Its chairman, Steve White, said: "Forces up and down the country regularly have campaigns to tackle drunk and disorderly behaviour.

The Guardian

Campaigns to target disorderly behaviour are welcomed, but I would question whether that would really deal with the heart of the issue long-term".

The Guardian

There are the odd customers who get aggressive, but as a manager you try and monitor people and intervene before they get to the stage of being disorderly.

The Guardian

Two were charged with looting and one for disorderly conduct away from the main protest.

The Guardian

Dr Cliff Mann wants police forces to mount campaigns over several successive weekends against those who are drunk and disorderly to try to reduce the numbers needing help from A&E staff, diverting resources from patients he said were "more deserving".

The Guardian

Paul Gascoigne, the former England and Tottenham Hotspur footballer, was charged with two counts of common assault and one of being drunk and disorderly.

The Guardian - Sport

"Having carefully reviewed all of the available evidence, Thames and Chiltern CPS authorised officers from BTP to charge the man with common assault and being drunk and disorderly.

The Guardian - Sport

But the centre has been regularly taking drunk and disorderly people off the streets, and if that means a few less drunk people in A&E, that's a good thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disorderly" to describe situations or behaviors that violate established norms or create disruption. For example, "disorderly conduct" is a common legal term.

Common error

While "disorderly" is widely applicable, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "unstructured" or "non-compliant" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "disorderly" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating a lack of order, organization, or compliance with rules. Ludwig AI confirms that the examples showcase its use in describing environments, conduct, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "disorderly" functions as an adjective used to describe a state or behavior lacking order or compliance with rules. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts, especially in the news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to avoid using it in very formal or specialized settings, as more precise terms may be more appropriate. Related phrases such as "chaotic" and "unruly" provide alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chaotic

Implies a state of complete confusion and lack of order, often with unpredictable events.

unruly

Suggests a lack of discipline and resistance to authority or control.

disorganized

Implies a lack of systematic arrangement or efficient organization.

tumultuous

Indicates a state of great disturbance, disorder, and noise.

uncontrolled

Suggests a lack of restraint or regulation.

turbulent

Suggests instability and disorder, often with strong conflicting forces.

disrupted

Refers to something that has been interrupted or thrown into disorder.

anarchic

Describes a state of lawlessness and absence of government or control.

rowdy

Indicates noisy and disruptive behavior, especially in a public setting.

rambunctious

Implies boisterous and unruly behavior, often in a playful way.

FAQs

How is "disorderly" used in legal contexts?

In legal terms, "disorderly conduct" typically refers to disruptive behavior that disturbs the peace or violates public order. Examples include excessive noise, public intoxication, or obstructing traffic.

What's the difference between "chaotic" and "disorderly"?

"Chaotic" implies complete confusion and unpredictability, while "disorderly" suggests a lack of proper arrangement or regulation. "Disorderly" behavior may contribute to a chaotic situation.

When is it appropriate to use "disorderly" instead of "unruly"?

"Disorderly" is generally used for situations or environments lacking order, whereas "unruly" typically describes behavior that is defiant or difficult to control. A group of children might be described as "unruly", while their playroom might be described as "disorderly".

What are some synonyms for "disorderly" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "chaotic", "unruly", "disorganized", or "turbulent" to describe something that is not in order.