turmoil
Turmoil (noun) means a state of great confusion, disorder, or emotional upheaval. Example: “The company was in turmoil after its CEO resigned suddenly.”
How to Use Turmoil
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA messy, unsettled state of chaos or distress, whether in a country, a company, or someone's mind.
Word Forms
turmoiled past tense, turmoils plural, turmoils singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company was in _____ after its CEO resigned suddenly.
Etymology
Origin unknown; the word first appears in English around 1526, possibly connected to Old French tremouille, a mill hopper.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for turmoil
See all rhymes for turmoil →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “turmoil” mean?
The word “turmoil” means a state of great confusion, disorder, or emotional upheaval. In plain terms, a messy, unsettled state of chaos or distress, whether in a country, a company, or someone's mind.
How do you pronounce “turmoil”?
“Turmoil” is pronounced TUR-moyl (/ˈtɜːmɔɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “turmoil” in a sentence?
Here is “turmoil” used in a sentence: “The company was in turmoil after its CEO resigned suddenly.”
What is another word for “turmoil”?
Words with a similar meaning to “turmoil” include chaos and disorder.
What part of speech is “turmoil”?
“Turmoil” is a noun.
Where does the word “turmoil” come from?
The word “turmoil” dates back to around 1526 and comes from Old French. Origin unknown; the word first appears in English around 1526, possibly connected to Old French tremouille, a mill hopper.
Is “turmoil” a common word?
“Turmoil” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.