awry — not in the correct position; not according to plan
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not in the correct position; not according to plan
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈraɪ/
Example Sentences
- The chef's plan went awry when he accidentally used salt instead of sugar in the cake.
- Her hair was completely awry after riding the roller coaster.
- The meeting went awry when the projector broke down.
awry
ADJECTIVE[/əˈraɪ/]
not in the correct position; not according to plan

The plan went awry when the delivery truck broke down on the way to the event.

The experiment went awry when the machine suddenly produced the wrong result. (Think: AWRY = off course → A + WRY(= twisted, crooked, or distorted.))

The painter's first try went awry, leaving the canvas dry and unfinished.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English, combining 'a-' (meaning 'in a state of') with 'wry' (meaning twisted or turned aside). Originally described something that was physically crooked or turned from its proper position.
Breakdown
a- (in a state of) + wry (twisted, crooked)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef's plan went awry when he accidentally used salt instead of sugar in the cake.”
“Her hair was completely awry after riding the roller coaster.”
“The meeting went awry when the projector broke down.”
“His attempt to impress his date went awry when he spilled wine on himself.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.