In shambles Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈʃæmbəɫz

in SHAM-buhlz

UK

ˈɪn/ /ʃˈæmbəlz

in SHAM-buhlz

Definition

Describes something that is in a state of great disorder, confusion, or ruin—physically or metaphorically.

Usage & Nuances

Common in informal contexts to emphasize chaos or destruction. Used for physical places ('the house is in shambles') or abstract things ('his life is in shambles'). Not pluralized; 'in shambles' is the fixed form. Often interchangeable with 'a mess' but more extreme.

• Spanish: en ruinas - hecho un desastre
• Portuguese (BR): em ruínas - uma bagunça (figuradamente)
• Portuguese (PT): em ruínas - uma confusão (figuradamente)
• Chinese (Simplified): 一团糟 - 破烂不堪
• Chinese (Traditional): 一團糟 - 破爛不堪
• Hindi: बर्बाद हालत में - बहुत खराब स्थिति में
• Arabic: في حالة فوضى - مدمر
• Bengali: অগোছালো - বিশৃঙ্খল অবস্থায়
• Russian: в полном беспорядке - в руинах
• Japanese: めちゃくちゃ - 荒れ果てている
• Vietnamese: hỗn độn - tan hoang
• Korean: 엉망진창 - 난장판
• Turkish: dağılmış - karmakarışık
• Urdu: انتہا درجے کی بگاڑ میں - بری حالت میں
• Indonesian: berantakan - kacau balau

Example Sentences

After the storm, the whole town was in shambles.

basic

My room was in shambles after the party.

basic

The plan is in shambles and needs to be fixed.

basic

Ever since the company lost funding, everything's been in shambles.

natural

Honestly, my life feels in shambles right now.

natural

The kitchen was in shambles, but somehow dinner turned out great.

natural