disorderly
adjectivenounadverbattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//dɪsˈɔː.də.li//
Not in order; marked by disorder or disarray.
adjective
- 1
Not in order; marked by disorder or disarray.
The books and papers are in a disorderly state.
This one is surmounted by a clock-tower with a bent weather-vane - the latter being the only disorderly object in sight.
- 2
Not acting in an orderly way, as the functions of the body or mind.
- 3
Not complying with the restraints of order and law; unruly; lawless.
disorderly people; disorderly assemblies
The teacher sat at one end of the bench, with a meek little fellow by his side. When the others were disorderly, this young martyr received a rap; intended, probably, as a sample of what the rest might expect, if they didn't amend.
The Uganda Police Force described the planned protests as “potentially anarchic” in a statement on Monday, warning it “shall not tolerate disorderly conduct.”
- 4
Offensive to good morals and public decency.
a disorderly house
Etymology
From disorder + -ly (adjectival suffix) or from dis- + orderly.
noun
- 1
A person who acts in a disorderly manner.
The police are allowed one shilling a-head upon all disorderlies who are discharged by the magistrates upon payment of expenses. The number so discharged are about a third of the number in custody.
adverb
- 1
In a confused or lawless manner.
Etymology
From disorder + -ly (adverbial suffix) or from dis- + orderly.
Forms
- plural
- disorderlies
- comparative
- more disorderly
- superlative
- most disorderly
disorderly · Not in order; marked by disorder or disarray.
dispatch · To send (a shipment) with promptness.dispatcher · In a transportation organization, a person who controls the…dispense · To issue, distribute, or give out.