Mess

/mɛs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A situation or condition that is confusing, chaotic, or full of problems.

The office was a complete mess after the party.

A dirty or untidy state.

Her room is always a mess, with clothes scattered everywhere.

A mixture of food, especially one that is not visually appealing.

He served us a strange mess of vegetables and sauce.

verb

To make a mess of; to dirty or disorder.

Please don't mess the kitchen up while you're cooking.

To damage or spoil something.

He messed up the project by not following the instructions.

Middle English, from Old French 'mes', meaning 'a dish, food'.

make a mess

To create disorder or to cause something to be untidy.

get in a mess

To become involved in a difficult or problematic situation.

don’t mess with me

A warning not to provoke or bother someone.

disorder

A state of confusion or lack of order.

chaos

Complete disorder and confusion.

clutter

A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass.

A situation that is problematic or embarrassing.

I really messed up that presentation.

To be intoxicated or under the influence.

He was such a mess last night at the bar.