awry

[ uh-rahy ]

adverb

1. with a turn or twist to one side; askew:

   to glance or look awry.

2. away from the expected or proper direction; amiss; wrong:

   Our plans went awry.

awry

/ əˈraɪ /

adverb

1. with a slant or twist to one side; askew
2. away from the appropriate or right course; amiss

Word History and Origins

Origin of awry¹

First recorded in 1325–75, awry is from Middle English on wry. See a- ¹, wry

Word History and Origins

Origin of awry¹

C14 on wry; see a- ², wry

Example Sentences

They were in trouble again early in the new half when Scotland had an attacking lineout seven metres from the visitors’ line, but Ashman’s throw went badly awry.

From BBC

Liver cells experience cellular stress when metabolism goes awry or when they become infected.

From Science Daily

"These cells are fascinating -- what causes them to work correctly and what causes them to go awry."

From Science Daily

But, the district court “went awry in attempting to impose its own judgment about how to address those concerns.”

From Los Angeles Times

That strayed into recklessness when, leading by two points with five minutes left, England's needlessly elaborate first-phase play went awry and Andrew Kellaway scooped up and sprinted in.

From BBC

Related Words

• amiss
• askew
• astray
• wrong