What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disorderly
Example
The party was getting disorderly as people started to drink more. [disorderly: adjective]
Example
The police arrested the disorderly man for causing a disturbance. [disorderly: adjective]
unruly
Example
The unruly children were running around and screaming in the store. [unruly: adjective]
Example
She tried to tame her unruly hair with a hairbrush, but it wouldn't stay in place. [unruly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disorderly is more commonly used than unruly in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Unruly is more informal and is often used in casual conversation or writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disorderly and unruly?
Disorderly is more formal than unruly, which is often used in informal contexts. Therefore, disorderly is more appropriate for formal writing or speaking, while unruly is more suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.
