completely messed up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely messed up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that is chaotic or disorganized. For example: I can't believe how my day went. Everywhere I went was completely messed up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"The last government completely messed up the IT contracts.

Independent

"Oh my God, I've completely messed up my career," she said to herself upon landing there, according to the book.

The New York Times

"The whole idea of the family unit was just totally chaotic and completely messed up for me".

The New Yorker

"I basically became my own contractor," he said, "and it was a huge loss for me, but I'll admit it, we'd completely messed up".

The New York Times

In one of the stories, you imagine God to be a metaphysical scientist who has completely messed up and comforts himself by reading Frankenstein.

The Guardian

Morgan sums up bankruptcy of this trend nicely: "Our priorities are completely messed up if we are cutting food, which is a basic right to the most vulnerable populations we have".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"She insists on going barefoot -- it completely messes up my image," he said.

The New York Times

I wouldn't not go into work or take my maternity leave earlier because it would completely mess up what was happening with my colleagues.

Independent

Kate tells her, "He comes to town and completely messes up your life and breaks things," then she concludes: "But I'm never mad at him for it.

The New York Times - Arts

"She's clearly a member of an institutional caste whose members, particularly at the top end, are guaranteed a job even if they completely mess up.

The Guardian

Or this - at 15-all, he completely messes up a drop shot, the ball failing to make it over the net.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, avoid using "completely messed up". Instead, consider phrases like "gone completely wrong" or "utterly failed" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "completely messed up" in formal or professional writing. Its informal tone can undermine your credibility and message. Opt for more formal alternatives like "seriously flawed" or "in complete disarray".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely messed up" functions as a descriptive expression, often serving as a predicate adjective to describe a noun or situation that is in a state of disarray or has failed significantly. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely messed up" is a common and acceptable way to describe situations or things that have gone seriously wrong. While grammatically correct, it is important to note its informal register, making it more suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the numerous examples from news and media sources demonstrate its widespread use. When a more formal tone is required, consider alternatives like "utterly failed" or "gone completely wrong". Remember to use this phrase judiciously, considering the context and audience to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally ruined

Implies a complete destruction or spoiling of something; stronger emphasis on negative consequences.

utterly failed

Focuses specifically on the failure aspect, suggesting a lack of success.

gone completely wrong

Emphasizes the deviation from an expected or desired outcome.

thoroughly botched

Suggests a clumsy or unskilled handling of a situation, leading to failure.

in complete disarray

Highlights the lack of order and organization in a situation.

a total disaster

Conveys a sense of significant misfortune and chaos.

irretrievably damaged

Highlights that the damage is beyond repair or recovery.

hopelessly flawed

Points out fundamental imperfections that cannot be easily corrected.

irreparably harmed

Implies a damage is significant and cannot be fixed.

seriously disorganized

Focuses on the lack of structure and order.

FAQs

How can I use "completely messed up" in a sentence?

You can use "completely messed up" to describe a situation, plan, or object that has gone wrong or is in disarray. For example, "The weather completely messed up our picnic plans."

What are some alternatives to "completely messed up"?

You can use alternatives like "totally ruined", "utterly failed", or "gone completely wrong" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "completely messed up" in formal writing?

No, "completely messed up" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "seriously flawed" or "in complete disarray".

What's the difference between "completely messed up" and "slightly disorganized"?

"Completely messed up" implies a significant level of disarray or failure, while "slightly disorganized" suggests a minor lack of order. The former indicates a more severe problem.