Unruly: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing someone or something that is difficult to control or manage, often in a chaotic or noisy way.

• The unruly children made it hard for the teacher to keep order in the classroom
• Her unruly hair refused to be tamed

Best used when someone is not following rules or instructions, especially in settings like home, school, or work.

• The disobedient dog refused to sit, even though it had been trained
• The employee was fired for being disobedient to workplace policies

Suitable for situations where someone or something is causing interruptions and disturbing the normal flow of activities, often used in academic or professional settings.

• His disruptive behavior during the meeting was not tolerated by his colleagues
• The construction noise was disruptive to the nearby residents

Use for describing someone or something that is untamed, uncontrolled, or behaving in a way that is free from restrictions or conventions.

• The hikers encountered a wild bear in the forest
• Her wild imagination led her to create some of the most unique artworks

Appropriate for describing someone who is defying authority or conventional norms, often in a more deliberate or ideological way.

• During her teenage years, she went through a rebellious phase, constantly challenging her parents' rules
• The artist's work was considered rebellious against traditional art forms

Describes something that is difficult to control or manage. It is often used for difficult-to-control people or behavior.

• The unruly crowd caused a lot of trouble at the concert

Used to describe something that is wild and not controlled by humans, often referring to animals or nature.

• The untamed forest was full of wild animals

Describes something that is not neat and orderly, often in reference to rooms, workspaces, or appearances. It can also refer to situations that are complicated or confusing.

• Her desk is always messy with papers all over

Refers to someone or something that appears messy or untidy, especially hair or clothing.

• After a long day at work, he looked very disheveled

Can describe something natural and uncontrolled, like nature or behavior, and often has a strong, untamed, or unrestrained connotation. Sometimes implies excitement but can also mean dangerous.

• They had a wild night out, partying until dawn