disorderly

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​or·​der·​ly (ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-dər-lē 

(ˌ)diz-

1

: engaged in conduct offensive to public order

charged with being drunk and disorderly

2

: characterized by disorder

a disorderly pile of clothes

disorderliness noun

disorderly

2 of 2

adverb

archaic

: in a disorderly manner

Synonyms of disorderly

Adjective

• criminal
• rebellious
• anarchic
• illegal
• unruly
• illicit
• lawless

Examples of disorderly in a Sentence

Adjective

She was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

He was found guilty of disorderly conduct.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Loyal Maids in Extravagant Mansions While Solana is a disorderly servant, Clarita reflects the trope of the loyal maid of the higher class, the societal expectation in the region. — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

This concern increases tenfold for flight attendants, as a negative interaction isn’t necessarily fleeting; they may be stuck in the air with rude or disorderly passengers for several hours. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026

But the retreat underscores how quickly leveraged positions can shift when market conditions change and highlights the risk of a disorderly unwind during periods of stress. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, her fringe, colored the same dirty blond as the rest of her head, met the tops of her brows in a disorderly manner. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1555, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disorderly

• disorderly conduct
• disorderly house

Rhymes for disorderly

• orderly

Kids Definition

disorderly

adjective

dis·​or·​der·​ly

(ˈ)dis-ȯrd-ər-lē

1

: not behaving quietly or well : upsetting public order : unruly

disorderly persons

disorderly conduct

2

: not neat or orderly

a disorderly mass of papers

disorderliness noun