unruly

Everyday

1. Unruly means behaving badly and hard to control. tree →
2. Unruly hair is untidy and hard to keep neat. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and school reports: «an unruly class», «an unruly crowd». In news, unruly behaviour on planes or at football matches. In everyday life: «unruly hair» that sticks up.

Examples

• The unruly crowd pushed against the gates. tree →
• The supply teacher found the class unruly. tree →
• My unruly hair never stays flat. tree →
• The unruly puppy chewed everything. tree →
• An unruly passenger was taken off the plane. tree →
• The garden became unruly while we were away. tree →
• They are an unruly set of reprobates, those sons of the dragon's teeth; and unless you treat them suitably, they will fall upon you sword in hand. tree →

Note

Said «un-ROO-lee». Noun: unruliness. It comes from «rule», not from «ruly» as a separate word. Similar: wild, disobedient; opposite: well-behaved, orderly.