unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

unrulier; unruliest

: not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed : difficult to control

an unruly crowd

an unruly passenger

a mane of unruly hair

unruliness noun

Synonyms of unruly

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn

Choose the Right Synonym for unruly

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of unruly in a Sentence

unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course

a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up

Recent Examples on the Web

If your plants have already become noticeably bent and rotating their pots doesn’t correct it, support their stems with stakes or cages, or cut the unruly stems and use them to propagate the plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026

That stance is backed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unruly or dangerous behavior, meaning passengers who interfere with crew duties can face removal, fines, or further action. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

The kids, a trio of unruly girls, Abigail, 17, Louise, 15, and Harper 12, manage the dysfunction accordingly. —Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026

House Bill 1017 would allow school districts to send unruly students to be taught in an alternative setting if their behavior disrupts the classroom learning environment. —Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unruly

• bernoulli
• lazuli
• unduly
• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• hooley
• muley
• newly

Kids Definition

unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

ˈən-

unrulier; unruliest

: not yielding easily to rule or restriction : uncontrollable

an unruly temper

an unruly horse