Unruly
/ʌnˈruːli/
Definitions
Difficult to control or manage; not readily submissive to government or discipline.
/ʌnˈruːli/
Difficult to control or discipline.
The unruly children were sent to their rooms.
💡 Simply: Think of a group of kids who won't listen or follow the rules. They're like an unruly bunch! They're hard to keep in line, like trying to herd cats.
👶 For kids: When something is unruly, it means it's not behaving nicely. Like a puppy that won't sit still!
More Examples
The unruly winds of the storm caused significant damage.
The unruly mob refused to disperse.
The unruly behavior of the dog made it difficult to train.
How It's Used
"An unruly class of students often disrupts learning."
"The unruly crowd became a threat to public order."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
unruly hair
Hair that is difficult to comb or manage, often frizzy or sticking up in different directions.
"She spent ages trying to tame her unruly hair."
unruly behavior
Behavior that is difficult to control or manage, often involving disobedience or a lack of respect for rules or authority.
"The teacher had to address the student's unruly behavior in class."
From Middle English *unruly*, from *un-* (not) + *ruly* (governed, obedient), from Old English *rūlian* (to rule).
The word 'unruly' has been used since Middle English, and it's usage has been fairly consistent in describing things that are hard to control, especially people and animals.
Memory tip
Imagine a *ruler* trying to control a wild, *un-*governed situation.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: rūlian