screwed
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for screwed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — (informal) In serious trouble, with little hope of escaping it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use screwed
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Casual/informal — avoid in formal writing.
Etymology
Grew out of "screw" meaning to apply pressure or coercion, evoking torture devices like thumbscrews — by the 1600s it meant being in an inescapable bind. The "drunk" sense followed later, linked to the phrase "a screw loose."
Full origin of screwed →Frequently asked questions
What does “screwed” mean?
The word “screwed” means (informal) In serious trouble, with little hope of escaping it. In plain terms, in a hopeless or difficult situation; informally, also means drunk.
How do you use “screwed” in a sentence?
Here is “screwed” used in a sentence: “If the flight is cancelled, we're screwed for the meeting.”
What is another word for “screwed”?
Words with a similar meaning to “screwed” include dicked and shagged.
What part of speech is “screwed”?
“Screwed” is an adjective.
Where does the word “screwed” come from?
The word “screwed” dates back to around 1600.
Is “screwed” a common word?
“Screwed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “screwed” have?
“Screwed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (informal) In serious trouble, with little hope of escaping it.
Is "screwed" rude or unprofessional?
"Screwed", in the sense of being in serious trouble, is informal slang and mildly coarse, so it is best avoided in formal writing and professional settings. It is common in casual speech, but many people would not use it in front of children or in polite company.
What is the difference between "screwed" and "screwed up"?
To be screwed is to be in serious trouble with little hope of escape, while to screw up is to make a mistake — "I'm screwed" describes your situation, "I screwed up" admits fault. As an adjective, "screwed up" can also describe something damaged or a person who is emotionally troubled.
What can you say instead of "screwed" in formal contexts?
Neutral alternatives include "in serious trouble", "in a hopeless position", or "out of options"; informal but milder choices include "sunk", "done for", and "out of luck". Which fits best depends on how final the trouble sounds.
Does "screwed" ever mean drunk?
Yes — in older informal use, "screwed" can mean drunk, and some dictionaries still record this sense. It is far less common today, and in modern speech "screwed" almost always means being in serious trouble.