chaotic

[ key-ot-ik ]

adjective

1. completely confused or disordered:

   a chaotic mass of books and papers.

   Antonyms: systematic, orderly

Other Word Forms

• cha·oti·cal·ly adverb
• noncha·otic adjective
• noncha·oti·cal·ly adverb
• semi·cha·otic adjective
• semi·cha·oti·cal·ly adverb
• uncha·otic adjective
• uncha·oti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaotic¹

First recorded in 1705–15; chao(s) + -tic

Example Sentences

“The president’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal,” Bonta said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

There's no doubt that President Donald Trump's chaotic tariff regime rocked Wall Street.

From Salon

Jack Black delivers the viral “chicken jockey” line in “A Minecraft Movie,” but he doesn’t sign off on the chaotic fan behavior surrounding it in theaters and on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

In the chaotic minutes after US President Donald Trump's administration abruptly reversed course and paused dozens of sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, one man quickly became the public face of the decision: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

From BBC

We caught a beautifully chaotic punk set from British punk duo Soft Play.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anarchic
• disorganized
• helter-skelter
• lawless
• tumultuous
• turbulent