The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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chaos

noun

/ˈkeɪ ɒs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of chaos

A state of extreme disorder, confusion, and unpredictability.
"The chef's absence in the kitchen led to chaos as orders piled up and dishes were prepared incorrectly."

Detailed meaning of chaos

It is characterized by a lack of organization or structure, where there is a breakdown of order and coherence. Chaos implies a condition in which events, actions, or elements are not under control, leading to a sense of turmoil, disarray, and an inability to predict or comprehend outcomes. It is often associated with a state of upheaval, both in the physical world and in abstract concepts. Chaos can manifest in various forms, such as social chaos, political chaos, or natural chaos, each representing different aspects of disorder and unpredictability. In a chaotic situation, there is often a loss of harmony, stability, and rationality, making it difficult to establish clear patterns, make sense of events, or achieve desired goals.

Example sentences containing chaos

1. The sudden storm caused chaos in the city, with streets flooding and traffic coming to a standstill.
2. The children's party descended into chaos as they excitedly ran around, screaming and knocking things over.
3. The company's mismanagement led to financial chaos and eventual bankruptcy.
4. The chaotic scene at the airport resulted from multiple flight cancellations and delays.
5. The protesters clashed with the police, creating a scene of chaos and unrest.
6. The classroom descended into chaos as the students erupted into a heated argument.

History and etymology of chaos

The noun 'chaos' has its etymological origins in ancient Greek philosophy and mythology. It is derived from the Greek word 'khaos,' which referred to the formless, primordial state of existence before the creation of the universe. In Greek mythology, 'khaos' represented a vast, empty chasm from which everything emerged. Over time, the term 'chaos' came to be used metaphorically to describe a state of extreme disorder, confusion, and unpredictability. This transformation reflects the notion that chaos represents a state akin to the formless void of the early universe, where things lack structure and organization. The etymology of 'chaos' underscores the deep influence of ancient Greek thought and mythology on the language and our understanding of disorder and unpredictability as a fundamental concept in the natural and human world.

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Further usage examples of chaos

1. The computer system malfunctioned, causing chaos in the office and halting productivity.
2. The organization lacked effective leadership, resulting in chaos and confusion among the employees.
3. The circus performance was filled with exhilarating chaos as acrobats swung from ropes and clowns dashed around.
4. The sudden power outage threw the entire building into chaos as people scrambled in the dark.
5. The chaotic nature of the stock market made it challenging for investors to predict and navigate market fluctuations.
6. The storm left a trail of chaos in its wake.
7. The party descended into joyful chaos.
8. The protest erupted into chaos as tensions flared.
9. The classroom was in a state of controlled chaos.
10. The sudden power outage caused chaos in the city.
11. The kitchen was a scene of culinary chaos.
12. The traffic jam created chaos on the highway.
13. The computer crash resulted in digital chaos.
14. The battlefield was a scene of utter chaos.
15. The market crash led to financial chaos.
16. The deadline loomed, causing work chaos.
17. The children's playroom was a zone of creative chaos.
18. The unexpected guest brought chaos to the party.
19. The political unrest led to societal chaos.
20. The natural disaster plunged the region into chaos.
21. The carnival was a riot of colorful chaos.
22. The organizational change caused office chaos.
23. The experiment went awry, resulting in scientific chaos.
24. The malfunctioning equipment caused manufacturing chaos.
25. The concert crowd was a mosh pit of musical chaos.