What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wayward
Example
The wayward child refused to follow the rules. [wayward: adjective]
Example
The company's wayward financial decisions led to bankruptcy. [wayward: adjective]
unruly
Example
The unruly students disrupted the class with their loud behavior. [unruly: adjective]
Example
The unruly crowd caused chaos at the concert. [unruly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unruly is more commonly used than wayward in everyday language. Unruly is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while wayward is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wayward and unruly?
Both wayward and unruly are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. However, wayward may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
