turmoil

USAGE SUMMARY

'turmoil' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Example: The company went through a period of great turmoil when the CEO was forced to resign.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Khaled al-Attiya, who has been trying to mediate an end to the political turmoil in Egypt, returned on Wednesday after several days in Cairo and complained he had not been able to meet all the parties he had been promised to see.

The Guardian

With little choice, he resigned, ending one period of turmoil at a broadcaster that regularly battles to be independent of ministers.

The Guardian

Related: Jim Murphy's resignation throws Scottish Labour into turmoil The 33-year-old said: "The geographical spread of support I have – with MSPs from north and south, east and west – as well as the backing of MSPs from different parts of our movement shows I can bring our party together.

The Guardian

With the background of the current turmoil in the Middle East, the news that the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has, at the UN general assembly, declared the US-led peace process dead (Report, 27 September), the prospects of a two-state solution look more remote than ever.

The Guardian

Outside the world of the club, Jimmy's life is in turmoil.

The Guardian

Turmoil erupted in Ukip after Patrick O'Flynn, the party's campaign director, gave an interview saying Farage had been led astray by an inner circle of advisers, which had made him become "snarling, thin-skinned and aggressive".

The Guardian

The Communist party was in turmoil, and in the ensuing months there were several changes of party and government leaders.

The Guardian

An estimated €20bn is believed to have fled local lenders since December, when Athens was plunged into political turmoil with parliament's failure to elect a new head of state automatically triggering snap polls.

The Guardian

Speaking in Washington, Osborne said that the turmoil in the world's financial markets meant there was now "a far greater sense of urgency" and mounting pressure on Europe from the G20 group of developed and developing nations.

The Guardian - Business

Yet Ukip is itself in turmoil amid its advances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Somalia, another nation in turmoil, is the third biggest country of provenance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific type of "turmoil", consider using more descriptive words like "political upheaval", "economic instability", or "emotional distress" to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "turmoil" to describe everyday inconveniences or minor disagreements. "Turmoil" implies a significant and often prolonged period of disturbance. Using it inappropriately dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The noun "turmoil" functions primarily as a descriptor of a state. It's used to indicate a condition of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Examples on Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts such as political and economic instability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turmoil" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, primarily employed to describe states of significant disturbance or chaos. As Ludwig AI validates, it is correct and usable in written English. Its presence is most notable in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the intensity and severity of reported events. While its usage is versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios involving substantial disruption rather than minor inconveniences. Semantically related alternatives include "state of unrest" and "time of turbulence". The most authoritative sources for examples of "turmoil" in use are predominantly from The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time of turbulence

Suggests instability and unpredictable changes.

time of chaos

Emphasizes the complete disorder and lack of control.

period of upheaval

Highlights the disruptive and transformative nature of the situation.

era of disorder

Stresses the absence of structure and organization.

state of unrest

Focuses on the lack of peace and stability.

climate of disarray

Highlights the state of confusion and lack of coordination.

state of agitation

Implies a heightened level of anxiety and unrest.

period of disruption

Focuses on the interruption of normal activities and processes.

scene of commotion

Focuses on the noisy and disruptive activity.

maelstrom of activity

Suggests a powerful and chaotic swirling motion or situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "turmoil" in a sentence?

Use "turmoil" to describe situations characterized by significant disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. For example, "The country experienced significant political turmoil after the election results were announced."

What words can I use as alternatives to "turmoil"?

You can use alternatives like "upheaval", "chaos", or "disorder", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Which is more appropriate, "turmoil" or "disturbance"?

"Turmoil" suggests a more intense and prolonged period of disruption compared to "disturbance", which can refer to a briefer or less significant event. Choose "turmoil" when describing significant periods of instability.

What's the difference between "turmoil" and "turbulence"?

"Turmoil" typically refers to social, political, or emotional unrest, while "turbulence" often describes physical instability or violent motion. For example, you might speak of the "turmoil" within a political party or the "turbulence" experienced during a flight.