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

Once Turek has finished writhing about on the floor in a shambolic attempt to gather, Czibor is on hand to whip the ball away and tuck it home from six yards, the simplest of tasks. — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

The book’s shambolic rhythms pay off, as pressure slowly builds on Josh to join in instead of judging. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 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