Unruly Meaning
/ʌnˈɹuːli/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjWild; uncontrolled.
Sentence Examples
The farmer was patient with the unruly horse.
The soldiers decimated the unruly population.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher struggled to control the ____ students who were shouting and throwing paper.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The teacher had a difficult time managing the ____ class, as several students were not following the basic and rules today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English unruly (“unquiet, restless”), equivalent to un- + rule + -ly (compare Middle English ruly, reuli (“subject to a religious rule, regular”)), but also representing a modified continuation of earlier Middle English unrouly, unroly (“unquiet, restless”), equivalent to un- + roolie. The latter is perhaps from or influenced by Old Norse *úróligr, related to Danish urolig (“restless”), Swedish orolig (“restless”), Icelandic órólegur (“agitated”). Compare also Middle English unroo, unro (“unrest”). More at roo.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Unruly boys who will not grow up / Must be taken in hand / Unruly girls who will not settle down / They must be taken in hand"
— 1985, Morrissey & Johnny Marr, “Barbarism Begins at Home”, in Meat Is Murder, performed by The Smiths:
"The bar had two entrances, one on Barrow and another via Bedford, and “86” referred to the address of the door from which intoxicated or unruly guests would be ejected."
— 2025 May 16, Edward Helmore, “What does ‘8647’ really mean? Not what Trump’s supporters are saying”, in The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher struggled to control the ____ students who were shouting and throwing paper.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The teacher had a difficult time managing the ____ class, as several students were not following the basic and rules today.