messy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "messy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is disorganized, untidy, or chaotic in appearance or condition. Example: "After the party, the living room was left in a messy state, with cups and snacks scattered everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Sport

Music

Business

Education

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An unlikely coalition of sworn enemies came to a juddering and messy end as the UK parties bickered Alexander says it was important to change stance because a definitive no was the natural conclusion of further analysis by the Treasury.

The Guardian

The messy prank is known as "glitter-bombing" – although there's no threat of an explosion or physical danger as with a real bomb.

The Guardian

But then social institutions that work often are more or less messy compromises.

The Guardian - Opinion

My fellow Liberal Democrat blogger James Graham complains that the policy on faith schools that the party adopted in Harrogate at the weekend is "a messy compromise".

The Guardian - Opinion

The messy, contradictory energy of the yes movement has been harnessed - willingly - by the SNP's laser-guided election machine.

The Guardian

Carlo Ancelotti's men pinned them back for long spells and Liverpool might have been in for a messy evening if Simon Mignolet had let in one of the early attempts from James Rodríguez and Ronaldo.

The Guardian - Sport

The bill passed by the Senate, with 89 senators in favour and eight against, is a messy, short-term deal that raises taxes on the wealthiest but postpones for two months any consideration of spending cuts.

The Guardian

If we are to rise effectively to our behaviour change challenges, we must get our hands dirty amid the messy, complexity that is human behaviour.

The Guardian

That was then, this is now, and an indecisive result and the messy novelty of coalition brokering have since intervened.

The Guardian - Opinion

A press statement noted that "stripped of gimmicks, teasers and marketing campaigns, this project is truly about art before hype", which seemed like a direct shot at Lady Gaga's sprawling, messy and ultimately ineffectual ARTPOP album campaign.

The Guardian - Music

In an interview on Tuesday, Karmani said he was disgusted at the way Labour was failing to support his friend Naz Shah, Labour's parliamentary candidate in Bradford West, who was chosen in a messy contest last month.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "messy" to describe a situation or process, consider whether a more specific term like "complicated" or "chaotic" might provide greater clarity.

Common error

While "messy" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can appear unprofessional. Opt for terms like "disorganized" or "complex" in such scenarios to maintain a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "messy" primarily functions to describe a state of disorder, untidiness, or confusion. Ludwig AI shows it's used to characterize physical environments, situations, or even abstract concepts as being in a state of disarray.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Music

8%

Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "messy" is a versatile term used to describe conditions of disorder, untidiness, or complication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Lifestyle content. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional writing. When seeking synonyms, consider options like "disorderly" or "chaotic" to fine-tune your descriptive accuracy. Remember to avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disorderly

Focuses more on the lack of order and arrangement.

untidy

Emphasizes a lack of neatness or cleanliness.

chaotic

Highlights a state of complete confusion and disorder.

disorganized

Stresses the lack of a systematic structure or plan.

complicated

Refers to something complex and difficult to understand or deal with.

unruly

Suggests a lack of control or discipline.

scruffy

Implies a neglected or unkempt appearance.

slapdash

Highlights a careless and hasty approach.

tangled

Describes something intertwined and difficult to separate.

littered

Indicates a surface covered with scattered items or debris.

FAQs

How can I use "messy" in a sentence?

You can use "messy" to describe physical spaces (e.g., "a messy room"), situations (e.g., "a messy divorce"), or even abstract concepts (e.g., "a messy process").

What words can I use instead of "messy"?

You can use alternatives like "disorderly", "untidy", or "chaotic" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "messy" or "messier"?

"Messy" is the base adjective. "Messier" is the comparative form, used to compare two things (e.g., "This room is messier than that one").

What's the difference between "messy" and "dirty"?

"Messy" refers to a lack of order or arrangement, while "dirty" implies the presence of unwanted substances like dirt or grime. A room can be messy without being dirty, and vice versa.