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

When the pandemic threw the world into disarray in spring 2020, most organizations responded by holding on—barely, at times.

From MIT Technology Review

Obstructions that throw congressional proceedings in disarray.

From Washington Post

Economic relief talks in disarray as congressional bickering intensifiesBut Sens.

From Washington Post

Even though the Rockets are in disarray, the Wizards would have to give up more — a future first rounder, probably — to acquire Westbrook.

From Washington Post

The FDA’s head of lab diagnostics showed up to troubleshoot and found Lindstrom’s lab in disarray.

From ProPublica

Help, it turns out, is outside awaiting orders in a state of complete disarray.

From The Daily Beast

While Maye confidently presides over the public trial, her private life has fallen into disarray.

From The Daily Beast

As the world order falls into disarray, the U.S. must confront the fact that no other truly great power shares our values.

From The Daily Beast

Economic disarray has ignited resentment toward immigrants, Brussels, and the euro currency, which is shared by 18 countries.

From The Daily Beast

Antisubmarine warfare (ASW) has not stagnated, but it shows signs of disarray.

From The Daily Beast

Slowly the gas expired, and the firelight glowed on the blue and white check tablecloth and the disarray of tea-things upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

Haggard, and with his clothing in disarray, he was not recognized by his own men, being sometimes rudely jostled.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides this disaduantage of disarray, the shot of the Normans, did continually beate vpon the English with a grieuous execution.

From Project Gutenberg

He looked at me for a moment, then brought his fist down on the general disarray with a thumping "I will!"

From Project Gutenberg

"I come from Madam Bowker," he explained to Craig, humbly conscious of his own disarray and toiler's unkemptness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anarchy
• chaos
• disharmony
• shambles