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

Throughout this volatile region, mercenaries have become a force for both chaos and authoritarian consolidation. —Alia Brahimi, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

The recruits were not equipped to handle a war with machines and the base quickly fell into chaos. —Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

As history tells us, when the most vicious wars inevitably come to an end, destruction, chaos and hopelessness are left in their wake. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

Those with the requisite appetite for chaos stick around, thrive, and in the process become even more comfortable with uncertainty. —Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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