chaos

noun

cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs 

1

a

: a state of utter confusion

the blackout caused chaos throughout the city

b

: a confused mass or mixture

a chaos of television antennas

2

a

often capitalized : a state of things in which chance is supreme

especially : the confused unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms compare cosmos

b

: the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a complex natural system (such as the atmosphere, boiling water, or the beating heart)

3

obsolete : chasm, abyss

Synonyms

• havoc
• mess
• jumble
• confusion
• hell
• disorder

Examples of chaos in a Sentence

The loss of electricity caused chaos throughout the city.

When the police arrived, the street was in total chaos.

The country had descended into economic chaos.

Recent Examples on the Web

Across the street, the Brook household is thrown into chaos as Agnes refuses to accept Ada's new position as lady of the house. —Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025

Delta's annual earnings per share guidance was lower than its forecast in January but higher than Wall Street's estimates, helping allay some fears about recent tariff chaos. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 12 July 2025

The result was hours of chaos, particularly at the company’s Camarillo outpost. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

While a honeymoon is a special trip for newly married couples to enjoy after the chaos of a wedding, a recent trend has people asking if more is merrier. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek — more at gum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing chaos

• chaos theory

Kids Definition

chaos

noun

cha·​os ˈkā-ˌäs 

: complete confusion

chaotic

kā-ˈät-ik 

adjective

chaotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb