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

Unlike chaos engineering for systems, these are more precise, surgical test activities that focus on key control conditions. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Hyde Park resident Gilda Norris saw the chaos outside her apartment building. —Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Before each showing, attendees are invited to a discussion over dinner that explores the trilogy’s themes of fear, chaos, pain, justice, sacrifice and what ultimately personifies the good life. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

With trust eroding, dangerous new allies entering the fold, and the FBI escalating its pressure, the compound descends further into chaos — all building toward a shocking and unforgettable confrontation. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 May 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