shambles
3 synonyms for shambles, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use shambles
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a total shambles
in shambles
Almost always used with "a" or "in", as in "it's a shambles" or "in shambles".
Etymology
From Old English sceamol ("bench, stool"), which came to mean a butcher's bench, then a slaughterhouse, then a scene of disorder or carnage.
Full origin of shambles →Frequently asked questions
What does “shambles” mean?
The word “shambles” means a scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos. In plain terms, a complete mess or state of chaos.
How do you pronounce “shambles”?
“Shambles” is pronounced SHAM-buhlz (/ˈʃæmbəlz/ in IPA).
How do you use “shambles” in a sentence?
Here is “shambles” used in a sentence: “The kitchen was a shambles after the party.”
What part of speech is “shambles”?
“Shambles” is a noun.
Where does the word “shambles” come from?
The word “shambles” comes from Old English. From Old English sceamol ("bench, stool"), which came to mean a butcher's bench, then a slaughterhouse, then a scene of disorder or carnage.
How many meanings does “shambles” have?
“Shambles” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos.
