Shambles Meaning and Definition
Shambles
Pronunciation
/ˈʃæm.bəlz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A confusing or chaotic situation, often resulting from a series of unfortunate events or decisions.
Examples
- The company’s financial shambles led to its bankruptcy.
- The plot of the movie was a shambles due to poor writing and direction.
Synonyms
- Mess
- Disaster
- Chaos
Antonyms
- Order
- Success
- Organization
Etymology
The word “shambles” originates from the Old English “scamel,” meaning “slaughterhouse” or “butcher’s shop.” Over time, the term evolved to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation.
Usage Notes
When describing a shambles, it’s common to use phrases such as “in shambles” or “a mess.” For example, “The city’s infrastructure was in shambles after the hurricane.” Additionally, using the phrase “to make a shambles” can indicate creating chaos or disorder.
Cultural References
The word “shambles” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Shambles of Creation” by Émile Zola, the author describes a chaotic and disorganized artistic space.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- In shambles
- A mess
- To make a shambles
- To be in a state of shambles
Related Words or Phrases
- Chaos
- Disaster
- Mayhem
- Bedlam
Collocations
- In a state of shambles
- Left in shambles
- Overtaken by shambles
- To be the shambles of something
Frequency of Use
The word “shambles” is less commonly used in modern language, but it remains an effective way to describe chaotic or disorganized situations.
Common Misspellings
- Shamblis
- Shamblis
- Shambull