adj
Common
screwed
Screwed (adj) means (informal) In serious trouble, with little hope of escaping it. Example: “If the bank rejects the loan, we are properly screwed.”
adj
1
(informal) In serious trouble, with little hope of escaping it.
"If the bank rejects the loan, we are properly screwed."
"If the flight is cancelled, we're screwed for the meeting."
"He forgot his passport — he's screwed."
2
(informal) Drunk.
"He was completely screwed after the wedding and fell asleep on the sofa."
"They were all screwed by the time the band finished playing."
"By midnight he was thoroughly screwed."
How to use screwed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a hopeless or difficult situation; informally, also means drunk.
When to use it
Casual/informal — avoid in formal writing.
Common pairings
totally screwed
we're screwed
royally screwed
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more screwed
- Superlative
- most screwed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
If the bank rejects the loan, we are properly _____.
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."
Class of 1600
screwed joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for screwed
See all rhymes for 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.
