shambolic

adjective

sham·​bol·​ic sham-ˈbä-lik 

chiefly British

: obviously disorganized or confused

Examples of shambolic in a Sentence

a shambolic system of public transportation

Recent Examples on the Web

After a shambolic end to the transfer window on Tuesday night, more doom and gloom was descending on Hill Dickinson Stadium five days later when United’s Benjamin Sesko headed home what looked to be an 88th-minute winner. — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The event was somewhat shambolic, with confused chefs stopping for selfies with Bibendum as the host tried to move things along. — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

The Oilers also improved their defensive structure after a shambolic Game 3 – and yet the energetic, hungry Ducks still pumped in four more goals despite never leading. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

Indeed, tax policy has become shambolic and spending discipline is non-existent. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from shambles

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shambolic

• bucolic
• carbolic
• embolic
• glycolic
• hydraulic
• phenolic
• podzolic
• symbolic
• systolic
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic