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

The series follows survivors living at a fortified prepper compound in the Rocky Mountains known as The Homestead after a nuclear attack on LA plunges the country into chaos. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

For days, Mazur was pinned down in his home on the west bank of the Dnieper River with his wife and children, unable to reach the Nadiya clinic, which amid the chaos paused operations. — Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026

Combative, conniving, and always looking out for herself, Kathleen unexpectedly returns to town after a long absence, sending Louisa’s life into chaos. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Quarterback chaos, a season-high four turnovers, a slew of penalties and a critical special teams gaffe added up to a 27-8 loss and sixth straight defeat in the rivalry. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 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