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Disarray: meaning, definitions and examples

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disarray

 

[ dɪsəˈreɪ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in a mess

A state of disorganization or untidiness; a confused or disorderly state.

Synonyms

chaos, confusion, disorder, mess

Examples of usage

  • The room was in a complete disarray after the party.
  • She tried to find her keys in the disarray of her purse.
Context #2 | Verb

to cause confusion

To throw (something) into a state of disorganization or untidiness; to disrupt the order or arrangement of.

Synonyms

disorganize, disrupt, unsettle

Examples of usage

  • The unexpected news completely disarrayed her plans.
  • The strong winds disarrayed the neatly arranged garden.

Translations

Translations of the word "disarray" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desordem

🇮🇳 अव्यवस्था

🇩🇪 Unordnung

🇮🇩 kekacauan

🇺🇦 безлад

🇵🇱 nieład

🇯🇵 混乱 (こんらん)

🇫🇷 désordre

🇪🇸 desorden

🇹🇷 dağınıklık

🇰🇷 혼란 (혼란)

🇸🇦 فوضى

🇨🇿 nepořádek

🇸🇰 neporiadok

🇨🇳 混乱 (hùnluàn)

🇸🇮 nered

🇮🇸 óreiða

🇰🇿 ретсіздік

🇬🇪 არეულობა

🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq

🇲🇽 desorden

Etymology

The word 'disarray' originated from the Middle French word 'desarroi' which meant 'confusion, perplexity'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The prefix 'dis-' indicates negation or reversal, while 'array' comes from the Old French 'areer' meaning 'put in order'. Over time, 'disarray' has come to signify a state of disorder or confusion.

See also: array.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,008, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.