Awry Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ərˈaɪ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adverb

Definition

Incorrectly or irregularly formed; faulty; unsound; not in a normal or regular condition.

Examples

• The repairman struggled to fix the awry pipe, eventually calling in a specialist.
• After the accident, the patient’s awry wrist had limited mobility.
• The chef tried to fix the awry soufflé, but it collapsed in the oven.
• She was embarrassed by her awry hair, having just gotten out of bed.
• The awry movement of the robot caused it to stumble.
• The teacher had to rework the lesson plan after the awry mistake in the first attempt.

Etymology

The word ‘Awry’ originates from the Old English word ‘wry’, which means to twist or turn aside.

Usage Notes

Awry is often used to describe an incorrect or irregular formation, whether physical or abstract. It can be used to convey a sense of faultiness or unsoundness.

Cultural References

Awry has been used in various contexts in literature, music, and film to describe a sense of confusion, chaos, or disarray.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Getting things awry
• Putting things awry