Quick answer
Unruly means difficult to control; disorderly, wild, or badly behaved. It is usually pronounced un-ROO-lee, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Unruly
Unruly describes someone or something that is difficult to control; disorderly, wild, or badly behaved. It belongs to ridiculous verbs and works best in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressiveverb
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is unruly, it is difficult to control; disorderly, wild, or badly behaved. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say” so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Unruly feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Unruly is generally traced to from rule with a negative prefix, originally meaning not governed or not under control.. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Unruly is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The teacher struggled to calm the unruly class.
- His unruly hair refused to stay in place.
- Markets can become unruly during moments of panic.
- It is a flexible word for anything hard to manage.
When should you use this word?
Use unruly when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
Similar words
wild, disorderly, rowdy, unmanageable
Opposite or contrasting words
orderly, obedient, controlled
Common questions
- What does unruly mean? Difficult to control; disorderly, wild, or badly behaved.
- How do you pronounce unruly? It is commonly pronounced un-ROO-lee.
- Is unruly still used today? Unruly is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use unruly? Use unruly when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
- What words are similar to unruly? Similar words include wild, disorderly, rowdy, and unmanageable.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.