Screw up

verb

To make a big mistake or do something really badly.

I really screwed up this time – I forgot our anniversary.
Visual representation of "screw up" - To make a big mistake or do something really badly.

Often appears as...

  • screw up one's courage
  • screw up one's face

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To become nervous or anxious, often to the point of not being able to perform a task.

He screws up whenever he has to speak in front of an audience.
Visual representation of "screw up" - To become nervous or anxious, often to the point of not being able to perform a task.

Often appears as...

  • screw up in performance
  • screw up in interview

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To gather or contract into wrinkles or small folds.

She screwed up her nose in distaste.
Visual representation of "screw up" - To gather or contract into wrinkles or small folds.

Often appears as...

  • screw up one's face
  • screw up one's eyes
verb

To make a big mistake or do something really badly.

I really screwed up this time – I forgot our anniversary.
Visual representation of "screw up" - To make a big mistake or do something really badly.

Often appears as...

  • screw up one's courage
  • screw up one's face

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To become nervous or anxious, often to the point of not being able to perform a task.

He screws up whenever he has to speak in front of an audience.
Visual representation of "screw up" - To become nervous or anxious, often to the point of not being able to perform a task.

Often appears as...

  • screw up in performance
  • screw up in interview

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To gather or contract into wrinkles or small folds.

She screwed up her nose in distaste.
Visual representation of "screw up" - To gather or contract into wrinkles or small folds.

Often appears as...

  • screw up one's face
  • screw up one's eyes
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "screw up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

Used more in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I screwed up by telling the joke at the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Responsibility

Expresses personal responsibility for a mistake.

Illustration for Responsibility
I need to apologize; I really screwed up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Regret Potential

Often used when there's regret or remorse over the action.

Illustration for Regret Potential
He screwed up and felt terrible about it for days.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

Used more in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I screwed up by telling the joke at the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Responsibility

Expresses personal responsibility for a mistake.

Illustration for Responsibility
I need to apologize; I really screwed up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Regret Potential

Often used when there's regret or remorse over the action.

Illustration for Regret Potential
He screwed up and felt terrible about it for days.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Usage

Used more in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I screwed up by telling the joke at the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Responsibility

Expresses personal responsibility for a mistake.

Illustration for Responsibility
I need to apologize; I really screwed up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Regret Potential

Often used when there's regret or remorse over the action.

Illustration for Regret Potential
He screwed up and felt terrible about it for days.
Visual representation of the word "Screw up"

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