B1adjective 10K+

Unruly

UK //ʌnˈruːli// US //ʌnˈruli// Pronunciation

Definition

Not obeying rules or law; difficult to control.

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In simple words: Difficult to control or manage.

Examples

• The unruly crowd made it hard for the concert to start.
• His unruly hair was all over the place after the wind blew.
• They had to call security to manage the unruly students.
• The dog was unruly and kept running away from its owner.
• Unruly behavior in the classroom can disrupt the lesson.

Usage notes

Use 'unruly' to describe behavior that is chaotic or defiant. It's more common in descriptions of children or crowds.

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Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'un-rule-y' - acting without rules.

Collocations

• unruly behavior
• unruly child
• unruly crowd

Synonyms

• disorderly
• rowdy
• chaotic

Antonyms

• obedient
• well-behaved
• compliant

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'ruly', thinking it's the opposite.
• Used too formally in casual contexts.
• Misunderstood as meaning 'unrushed'.