In shambles Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈʃæmbəɫz
in SHAM-buhlz
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 desastrePortuguese (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 मेंArabic: في حالة فوضى - مدمرBengali: অগোছালো - বিশৃঙ্খল অবস্থায়Russian: в полном беспорядке - в руинахJapanese: めちゃくちゃ - 荒れ果てているVietnamese: hỗn độn - tan hoangKorean: 엉망진창 - 난장판Turkish: dağılmış - karmakarışıkUrdu: انتہا درجے کی بگاڑ میں - بری حالت میںIndonesian: 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