Shambles/ˈʃæmblz/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use Often used to describe situations messed up figuratively, not literally. The company's strategy was a shambles after the market crash. Pro Tip 2/3Informal Tone Used in casual conversation, not formal contexts. The party was a shambles; guests left early. Pro Tip 3/3Not Physical Mess Refers to disorder in plans or situations, not always physical spaces. Their vacation plans were in shambles due to the storm.