messy
Messy (adj) means Untidy, disorganized, or dirty. Example: “His desk was messy, covered in papers and old coffee cups.”
How to use messy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUntidy or dirty, or (for situations) complicated and unpleasant.
Word forms
messier comparative, messiest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His desk was _____, covered in papers and old coffee cups.
Etymology
From mess + the adjective-forming suffix -y.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for messy
See all rhymes for messy →Frequently asked questions
What does “messy” mean?
The word “messy” means untidy, disorganized, or dirty. In plain terms, untidy or dirty, or (for situations) complicated and unpleasant.
How do you pronounce “messy”?
“Messy” is pronounced MEH-see (/ˈmɛsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “messy” in a sentence?
Here is “messy” used in a sentence: “His desk was messy, covered in papers and old coffee cups.”
What is the opposite of “messy”?
The opposite of “messy” — its antonyms — are neat and orderly.
What part of speech is “messy”?
“Messy” is an adjective.
Is “messy” a common word?
“Messy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “messy” have?
“Messy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: untidy, disorganized, or dirty.
What is the difference between messy and dirty?
Messy means untidy or disorganized, with things out of place. Dirty means covered in dirt or grime. A room can be messy without being dirty, and something can be dirty without being messy.
What is the difference between messy and cluttered?
Cluttered describes a space crowded with too many things. Messy is broader and covers general disorder, spills, or untidiness even when there is not an excess of objects.
Can messy describe a situation and not just a place?
Yes. Beyond untidy spaces, messy also describes situations, relationships, or problems that are complicated, awkward, or unpleasant to deal with, as in 'a messy breakup.'
What nouns commonly go with messy?
Frequent pairings include 'messy hair,' 'messy room,' and 'messy desk' for the untidy sense, and 'messy divorce' or 'messy situation' for the complicated sense.