Words / B1

KAY-os/ˈkeɪɒs/

Chaos is complete confusion and a lack of order: in chaos; traffic chaos; cause chaos. Disorder is close; mess is more informal and often physical. Chaotic is the adjective. Uncountable: not “a chaos” in standard exam English (except a chaos of + nouns in literary style). Do not use chaos for a slightly busy office — save it for real disorder.

Meaning

A state of complete confusion and lack of order.

Examples

• “The station was in chaos after the train was cancelled.”
• “Roadworks caused traffic chaos on the ring road.”
• “The office was chaotic on the morning of the inspection.”

Good to know

in chaos. traffic chaos. Adjective: chaotic. Close: disorder. Informal: mess. Usually uncountable.

Near in meaning

disorder

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