shambles
Translation
mess, chaos, disorder
Examples
The office was in a complete shambles.
The office was in a complete shambles.
His financial affairs are a shambles.
His financial affairs are a shambles.
Grammar Patterns
in a shambles to be in a state of chaos or disorder. The project is in a complete shambles.
Similar Words
Synonyms: mess, chaos, muddle, disarray
Etymology
From Middle English 'shamels' (meat stalls), later meaning 'slaughterhouse', a place of bloody mess and disorder.
Memory Tips
Imagine a room after a wild party – it's a shambles.