What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fractious
Example
The fractious child refused to listen to his parents and threw a tantrum. [fractious: adjective]
Example
The fractious meeting ended in chaos as members argued and shouted over each other. [fractious: adjective]
unruly
Example
The unruly students disrupted the class with their loud talking and constant movement. [unruly: adjective]
Example
The unruly crowd caused damage and chaos during the protest. [unruly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unruly is more commonly used than fractious in everyday language. Unruly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fractious is less common and often used in formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fractious and unruly?
While fractious is typically associated with a formal or literary tone, unruly is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.