disorderly

comparative more disorderly · superlative most disorderly

1. Not in order; marked by disorder or disarray.

   The books and papers are in a disorderly state.

   1 more example

   This one is surmounted by a clock-tower with a bent weather-vane - the latter being the only disorderly object in sight.

   1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 164

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

   2 more examples

   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.

   1847 March 30, Herman Melville, Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas; […], London: John Murray, […], →OCLC

   The Uganda Police Force described the planned protests as “potentially anarchic” in a statement on Monday, warning it “shall not tolerate disorderly conduct.”

   2024 July 22, Nimi Princewill, “Uganda’s President Museveni warns citizens they are ‘playing with fire’ over planned protests”, in CNN

4. lawOffensive to good morals and public decency.

   a disorderly house

plural disorderlies

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.

   1843, Parliamentary Papers, volumes 25-26, page 140

comparative more disorderly · superlative most disorderly

1. In a confused or lawless manner.