Vocabulary word Unruly - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Chaos and Conflict

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Dominance and Dissent

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Hurdles and Setbacks

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Rigor and Rebellion

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Vexation and Aggravation

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Dictionary Definition of unruly

Difficult to control, disobedient, or disorderly in behavior or conduct.
"The crowd became unruly after waiting for hours in line and learning that the concert was cancelled."

Detailed Meaning of Unruly

It suggests a lack of conformity to rules, regulations, or social norms, often resulting in disruptive or unruly behavior. An unruly person may display a tendency to resist authority, act in a rebellious manner, or refuse to follow instructions or guidelines. Similarly, an unruly crowd or gathering may be characterized by chaos, tumult, or a lack of order. The term "unruly" implies a sense of wildness, untamed energy, or a refusal to conform to established expectations or boundaries. It can describe individuals, groups, situations, or even physical objects that exhibit a challenging or disorderly nature, often requiring extra effort or intervention to restore order or control.

Example Sentences for Unruly

1. The teacher struggled to control the unruly class as the students were overly excited about the upcoming holidays.
2. Her usually sleek hair was unruly today, defying the comb at every turn.
3. The librarian constantly had to shush the unruly group of teenagers who would not stop talking.
4. He tried to tame his unruly garden, which had overgrown with weeds and wild plants.
5. The sailors fought against the unruly waves as the storm continued to gain strength.
6. Her dog, usually obedient, became unruly and refused to follow commands when they visited the park.

Origin and Etymology of Unruly

The adjective 'unruly' can be understood by examining its root word, 'ruly.' In this term, the prefix 'un-' is employed to negate or reverse the quality of being 'ruly.' 'Ruly' is an Old English word that means 'orderly,' 'well-behaved,' or 'regulated.' Over time, 'ruly' evolved in the English language to describe something or someone that is obedient, disciplined, or well-behaved. Consequently, 'unruly' signifies the opposite, denoting something or someone that is difficult to control, disobedient, or disorderly in behavior or conduct, often implying a lack of discipline or orderliness. Its etymology is deeply rooted in the historical development of 'ruly' and the use of 'un-' to convey the reversal of disciplined or orderly qualities.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective unruly:

obedient

disciplined

compliant

disorderly

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Unruly

1. The traffic was unruly this morning, with cars honking and cutting each other off haphazardly.
2. The principal had to intervene when the unruly student refused to listen to his teacher.
3. My sister has an unruly sense of humor, making jokes at the most inappropriate times.
4. During the protest, a small faction of unruly individuals started to cause trouble, but the majority remained peaceful.
5. The wind was so unruly that it blew my hat off and sent it flying down the street.
6. The unruly children disrupted the classroom with their loud chatter.
7. The unruly crowd at the concert pushed and shoved to get closer to the stage.
8. Her unruly hair refused to be tamed by any hair product.
9. The unruly behavior of the party guests made the host regret inviting them.
10. The unruly puppy chewed on everything in the house.
11. Despite warnings, the unruly fans continued to throw objects onto the field.
12. The unruly protest escalated into clashes with the police.
13. An unruly passenger on the flight had to be restrained by the crew.
14. The unruly debate between the candidates turned into a shouting match.
15. The unruly traffic made the morning commute unbearable.
16. An unruly mob gathered outside the courthouse, demanding justice.
17. The unruly vines in the garden needed constant pruning.
18. Her unruly temper often led to conflicts with her coworkers.
19. The unruly sea waves battered the coastline during the storm.
20. The unruly behavior of the teenagers prompted complaints from neighbors.
21. An unruly customer caused a scene at the restaurant.
22. The unruly guest list for the party made it difficult to plan.
23. Despite being warned, the unruly students continued to disrupt class.
24. The unruly debate in parliament lasted long into the night.
25. The unruly hairpin turns on the mountain road required caution.