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

or 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

Intuiting chaos, Aesha immediately changes into her wets to help. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Chaos and dysfunction are par for the course for the Hollingsworths. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

After testing dozens of shoes and brands at many price points, one clear winner stood out for holding up to 10-hour travel days, thousands of steps, and the daily chaos of commuting to an office and being a mom on the go. — Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026

Be ready to welcome the chaos and, perhaps most importantly, don’t fight it. — Samantha Rees, Vogue, 21 Sep. 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