Simple Definition of awry
from our Learner's Dictionaryawry
adjective or adverb
not used before a noun
1
: not working correctly or happening in the expected way : wrong
Something was dreadfully/terribly awry.
—usually used in the phrase go awryTheir plans went awry.
Something had gone dreadfully/terribly awry.
2
: not straight or neat
Her hair was all awry.
Cite this Entry
“Awry.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/awry. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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