Mess up

verb

To make a mistake or do something incorrectly.

I messed up the last question on the test.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To make a mistake or do something incorrectly

Often appears as...

  • messed up the job
  • mess up everything
verb

To create disorder, to make something untidy or dirty.

My kids always mess up their room in no time.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To create disorder, to make something untidy or dirty

Often appears as...

  • mess up the room
  • mess up the table
verb

To ruin or spoil something.

He messed up his chances of promotion by being late.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To ruin or spoil something

Often appears as...

  • mess up chances
  • mess up an opportunity

Usage tips

Informal

verb

To cause damage to the mental or emotional well-being of someone.

The trauma really messed him up.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To cause damage to the mental or emotional well-being of someone

Often appears as...

  • mess up mentally
  • mess up emotionally

Usage tips

Informal

verb

To make a mistake or do something incorrectly.

I messed up the last question on the test.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To make a mistake or do something incorrectly

Often appears as...

  • messed up the job
  • mess up everything
verb

To create disorder, to make something untidy or dirty.

My kids always mess up their room in no time.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To create disorder, to make something untidy or dirty

Often appears as...

  • mess up the room
  • mess up the table
verb

To ruin or spoil something.

He messed up his chances of promotion by being late.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To ruin or spoil something

Often appears as...

  • mess up chances
  • mess up an opportunity

Usage tips

Informal

verb

To cause damage to the mental or emotional well-being of someone.

The trauma really messed him up.
Visual representation of "mess up" - To cause damage to the mental or emotional well-being of someone

Often appears as...

  • mess up mentally
  • mess up emotionally

Usage tips

Informal

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "mess up"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 'mess up' with 'clean up'. 'Mess up' often unintentionally leads to mistakes.

Illustration for Common Confusion
I meant to help, but I only messed up the plan more.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Informal Usage

'Mess up' is casual and mostly used in informal speech or writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
Sorry I'm late, I messed up the bus schedule.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 'mess up' with 'clean up'. 'Mess up' often unintentionally leads to mistakes.

Illustration for Common Confusion
I meant to help, but I only messed up the plan more.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Informal Usage

'Mess up' is casual and mostly used in informal speech or writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
Sorry I'm late, I messed up the bus schedule.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 'mess up' with 'clean up'. 'Mess up' often unintentionally leads to mistakes.

Illustration for Common Confusion
I meant to help, but I only messed up the plan more.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Informal Usage

'Mess up' is casual and mostly used in informal speech or writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
Sorry I'm late, I messed up the bus schedule.
Visual representation of the word "Mess up"

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