noun
Describes a state of mental or situational confusion, often implying a loss of normal rhythm or order. Relatively uncommon; more typical words include 混乱 or 動揺.
突然の知らせに彼は乱調子に陥った。
He fell into confusion at the sudden news.
動揺 emphasizes emotional disturbance or shaking, whereas 乱調子 suggests a broader disruption of order or rhythm.
Compound of 乱 (disorder) and 調子 (tune, rhythm, condition). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; it likely emerged as a literary term for a disturbed state.