awry Definition
- 1away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course; amiss
- 2turned or twisted to one side
Using awry: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "awry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The project went awry when the budget was cut.
Example
Her plans for the weekend went awry when she got sick.
Example
The picture on the wall was hanging awry.
Example
His tie was awry and needed straightening.
awry Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with awry
Example
Our vacation plans went awry when our flight was cancelled.
Example
The sudden change in weather set our outdoor party awry.
Example
The picture frame got awry when it fell off the wall.
Origins of awry
from Middle English 'a wry', meaning 'turned to one side'
Summary: awry in Brief
'Awry' [əˈraɪ] means away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course, or turned or twisted to one side. It is often used to describe things that have gone wrong or are not as they should be, such as 'The project went awry when the budget was cut.' 'Awry' can also be used to describe physical objects that are crooked or askew, like 'His tie was awry and needed straightening.' Phrases like 'go awry' and 'set something awry' denote things going wrong or not according to plan.