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Definition of unruly

unruly

/ʌnˈruː.li/
un · ru · ly
Adverb:unrulily
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unruly Lexical Profile

unruly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Disorderly, disruptive, and not amenable to discipline or control.

Example

"The teacher struggled to calm the unruly crowd of students gathered in the hallway."

2

Difficult to keep neat, tidy, or in place (especially of hair or vegetation).

Example

"He ran a hand through his thick, unruly curls before stepping onto the stage."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unruly

• Nearby Words

unruffled
unruled
unruliness
unruly
unrumpled
unrushed
unsaddle

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in late Middle English (originally spelled 'unruely'), the word is formed from the prefix 'un-' (not) and the now-archaic adjective 'ruly' (meaning amenable to rule or law-abiding), which itself derives from Old French 'reule' and Latin 'regula' (rule).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unruly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unruly
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