unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

unrulier; unruliest

: not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed

an unruly crowd

a mane of unruly hair

unruliness noun

Synonyms

• balky
• contrary
• contumacious
• defiant
• disobedient
• froward
• incompliant
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• rebel
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• recusant
• refractory
• restive
• ungovernable
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Choose the Right Synonym for unruly

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of unruly in a Sentence

unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course

a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up

Recent Examples on the Web

The film also starred Colin Firth as a widower who requires a nanny to look after his unruly offspring. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2024

In 2023, there were 2,075 unruly passenger reports, 512 investigations initiated, 402 enforcement actions taken and $7.5 million fines levied, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 29 Nov. 2024

Based on Barbara Robinson’s 1972 children’s novel about a family of unruly poor kids who take over the local Christmas pageant, the Lionsgate film has topped $25 million in just three weeks. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2024

In May, local authorities stepped up the push against unruly monkeys, including boosting sterilization efforts that began during the pandemic. —Time Photo Department, TIME, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

ˈən-

unrulier; unruliest

: not yielding easily to rule or restriction : uncontrollable

an unruly temper

an unruly horse