shambles

Definition

A scene of great disorder or ruin.

Etymology

From Middle English schamels, plural of schamel, from Old English sċeamol, sċamul (“bench, stool”), from Proto-West Germanic *skamul, *skamil (“stool, bench”), from Vulgar Latin scamellum, from Latin scamillum (“little bench, ridge”), from Latin scamnum (“bench, ridge, breadth of a field”).

Example Sentences

• "Considering my life's in shambles right now, couldn't you at least take the blame?"
• "This bedroom is a shambles."
• "Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake."