disarray

[ dis-uh-rey ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put out of array or order; throw into disorder.
2. to undress.

noun

1. disorder; confusion:

   The army retreated in disarray.

2. disorder of apparel.

disarray

/ ˌdɪsəˈreɪ /

noun

1. confusion, dismay, and lack of discipline
2. (esp of clothing) disorderliness; untidiness

verb

1. to throw into confusion
2. archaic.
   to undress

Word History and Origins

Origin of disarray¹

1350–1400; (noun) late Middle English; Middle English disrai, d ( e ) rai < Anglo-French dissairay, Old French desaroi; (v.) Middle English disarayen < Anglo-French desaraier, Old French desareer; dis- ¹, array

Example Sentences

His well-weighted grubber put Ollie Lawrence in behind the Australia defence, which was still in disarray as Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Tom Curry, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ben Earl combined in a slick passing move to put Chandler Cunningham-South in at the corner.

From BBC

His campaign centered on a simple promise to undo Gascón’s most progressive policies and restore normalcy to a district attorney’s office in disarray.

From Los Angeles Times

Something begins in disrepair, disarray, poor shape.

From Los Angeles Times

But the concentrated sugar, saturated fat and additives in candy can throw things into disarray by feeding inflammatory microbes that weaken your gut barrier – the protective lining that separates your microbiome from the rest of the body.

From Salon

The internal disarray as a result of Sinwar’s death is perhaps more acute than that after past such killings, because it follows so closely on the heels of other leadership losses for the group.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anarchy
• chaos
• disharmony
• shambles