disorderly

1 of 2

adverb

dis·​or·​der·​ly (ˌ)dis-ˈȯrd-ər-lē 

(ˌ)diz-

archaic

: in a disorderly manner

disorderly

2 of 2

adjective

1

: engaged in conduct offensive to public order

charged with being drunk and disorderly

2

: characterized by disorder

a disorderly pile of clothes

disorderliness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• anarchical
• criminal
• rebellious
• anarchic
• illegal
• unruly

Examples of disorderly in a Sentence

Adjective

She was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

He was found guilty of disorderly conduct.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Further, Trump’s executive order instructs these agencies to coordinate surveillance with public health and welfare agencies to address disorderly elements in communities, even when that person has not committed a crime. —Kate Caldwell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

The Court recognized that civil rights activism required controversial and disorderly speech. —Time, 29 Sep. 2025

In class, Danny continues to be disorderly, challenging Maria’s authority, throwing stuff when angry, completely distracting and even frightening the other students. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025

She was charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly intoxication. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1560, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing disorderly

• disorderly conduct
• disorderly house

Rhymes for disorderly

• orderly

Kids Definition

disorderly

adjective

dis·​or·​der·​ly

(ˈ)dis-ȯrd-ər-lē

1

: not behaving quietly or well : upsetting public order : unruly

disorderly persons

disorderly conduct

2

: not neat or orderly

a disorderly mass of papers

disorderliness noun