unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

unrulier; unruliest

: not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed : difficult to control

an unruly crowd

an unruly passenger

a mane of unruly hair

unruliness noun

Synonyms of unruly

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn

Choose the Right Synonym for unruly

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of unruly in a Sentence

unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course

a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up

Recent Examples on the Web

In other cities — including Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Lille and Nice — police have resorted to firing tear gas to break up unruly crowds, Reuters reported. — James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Passengers who engage in unruly behavior can also face criminal charges. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Two styling products to finish the look John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum is designed for stubborn frizz and unruly hair, helping create a smoother finish and manage humidity. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

That dustup is typically followed by a defense in Puck’s media newsletter, the reflexively anti-rank-and-file outlet where some media bosses and spokespeople go to air grievances about their unruly staff. — semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unruly

• bernoulli
• lazuli
• unduly
• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• foully
• hooley
• muley

Kids Definition

unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

ˈən-

unrulier; unruliest

: not yielding easily to rule or restriction : uncontrollable

an unruly temper

an unruly horse