Phrase guide

in a right state

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

in a mess or in a state of chaos; very unkempt, in poor condition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • The COVID-19 pandemic had the world in a right state.
  • At the end of a long day at work, I’m usually in a right state.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: in a state

2

adj

Meaning 2

in a state of panic or confusion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • The dancers were in a right state as their track wouldn’t play minutes before their performance.
  • Trigonometry lectures always had me in a right state!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: in a state

3

adj

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, a, right, state.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.