unordered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unordered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not arranged in a specific order or sequence. Example: "The items on the list were unordered, making it difficult to find what I needed quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Britain, for example, has what is known as an "unordered" system of formation, which allows all parliamentary parties to negotiate with each other to attempt to form a government.

The Guardian

We ordered enough food for a small army, but they kept bringing more, unordered and uncharged.

The Economist

In all these happenings the geologic column and its associated time scale spell the difference between an unordered series of isolated events and the unfolding story of a changing Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fish that go unordered have to be thrown out — and spoiled food is a significant cost for kitchens.

The New Yorker

Recently while we were away, we received 100 gallons of unordered heating oil along with a bill.

The New York Times - Magazine

The best is a dish of scallops with caper berries and caramelised cauliflower which was brought unordered, as though the kitchen knew we'd missed their finest work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps something like "temporary, unordered draft (not to be published in this form)" might do the trick.

The Guardian - Music

He delivers to nearby restaurants twice a week, and leaves any unordered salad in the ground, letting it grow and selling it in his farm shop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Seven Stories is cataloguing the Westall collection, which includes a largely unordered jumble of notes, rough drafts and press cuttings, some stained with coffee or paw prints from his cat Jeoffrey.

The Guardian - Books

Who can trust something that arrives, unordered, at the door?

The New Yorker

ROME, Aug. 8 — Any tourist here knows the sensation: that gnawing feeling that Italians do not pay $3 for a tiny cappuccino or $4 for an unordered basket of bread.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unordered", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking order. For example, specify "unordered list" or "unordered data".

Common error

Avoid using "unordered" when "unorderly" is more appropriate. "Unordered" refers to a lack of pre-existing order, while "unorderly" suggests a disruption of existing order.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unordered" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of sequence or arrangement. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing data to political systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "unordered" correctly describes something lacking a specific sequence or arrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. To maintain clarity, use "unordered" alongside a specific noun to avoid ambiguity, and differentiate it from "unorderly", which suggests a disruption of existing order. When aiming for diverse expression, alternatives include "disorganized" and "random", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disorganized

Emphasizes a lack of organization or systematic arrangement.

unsorted

Specifically highlights the absence of a sorted order.

random

Implies a lack of predictability or pattern.

jumbled

Suggests a confused or chaotic mixture.

chaotic

Conveys a state of complete disorder and confusion.

disarranged

Highlights the act of disturbing an existing arrangement.

unmethodical

Indicates a lack of a systematic or planned approach.

unstructured

Emphasizes the absence of a defined framework or organization.

irregular

Suggests a deviation from a standard or expected pattern.

haphazard

Implies a lack of planning or direction.

FAQs

How do I use "unordered" in a sentence?

You can use "unordered" to describe something that lacks a specific sequence or arrangement. For example: "The data was presented as an unordered list."

What words can I use instead of "unordered"?

Alternatives to "unordered" include "disorganized", "unsorted", or "random", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "unordered" and "disorganized"?

"Unordered" simply means lacking a specific order, while "disorganized" implies a previous state of order that has been disrupted or is not well-maintained.

Is it correct to say "an unordered set"?

Yes, "unordered set" is a correct and commonly used term in mathematics and computer science to describe a set where the order of elements is not significant.