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 Chaos : 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 of chaos

• 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

Summer uses a family trip to a Caribbean resort to cause chaos and sabotage the relationship. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026

But lately, the chaos in the United States made the song seem regrettably apropos. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

According to Rodríguez, the decision to militarize La Guaira was intended to prevent chaos and preserve access for specialized rescue teams. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Stop staring in the rearview mirror at past mistakes and uncontrollable chaos. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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