Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

untidy

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'untidy' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is not in order or neat. For example, "The room was in an untidy mess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The whirling black shapes rise from their large untidy nests and out over the fields.

News & Media

The Guardian

Instead of weeding, organic growers encourage weed- killing legumes to grow around the trees, giving them an untidy look.

News & Media

The Guardian

Fittingly, the breakthrough arrived in untidy circumstances.

Travelling mostly around northern England, Paul Farley and Michael Symmons Roberts, both of them British poets, find unexpected pleasures: a car gradually coming into view beneath the surface of a pond, like a photograph in a developing tray; children's dens; a herd of water buffalo .Edgelands" is sprawling and untidy, like its subject matter.

News & Media

The Economist

When capital surges in, governments ought to tighten controls; when cash departs, controls can be relaxed.This seems a neat solution, reconciling the dream of free-flowing cash to the untidy reality of global finance.

News & Media

The Economist

To the Frankfurt fair he sent agents, but also his wife Agnes, a plain and untidy young woman on the evidence of his drawings, but apparently a willing business partner, and eventually the sole inheritor of the 6,874-florin 6,874-florinft whestatedied in 1528.A masterpiece for nothengThis market, however, was evidentleftot one he could control.

News & Media

The Economist

With interest rates low, an austerity-induced fall in inflation would increase real rates and weaken an already listless economy.In this section The road to Rome Huge mess, untidy solutions Firefighting Even splits Calves and cubs Dimon geezer Cut or loose ReprintsRising domestic confidence is not the only route to growth amid austerity.

News & Media

The Economist

But, as Lawrence James says about the British variety in his book, "The Middle Class: A History", they are "a sprawling, untidy organism in a perpetual state of evolution".For example, Kellee Tsai, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, argues that there is no such thing as a coherent middle class in China.

News & Media

The Economist

The area around the stadium is untidy and architecturally uninspired good for facilitating the movement of tens of thousands of football fans, but hardly a place to linger.

News & Media

The Economist

"Perhaps I should have become a veterinarian," says Andy Rothman of CLSA.In this section The road to Rome Huge mess, untidy solutions Firefighting Even splits Calves and cubs Dimon geezer Cut or loose ReprintsThe source of China's growth is more worrying than its speed.

News & Media

The Economist
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Future Group, India's largest retailer, has introduced "organised chaos" into its shops to make consumers feel at home, breaking up long aisles with untidy-looking displays.

News & Media

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "untidy" to characterize abstract concepts such as "untidy solutions" or "untidy circumstances" when you want to convey a situation that lacks neatness or order.

Common error

Avoid using "untidy" when you actually mean "dirty". "Untidy" refers to a lack of order, while "dirty" implies the presence of grime or filth. A room can be "untidy" without being "dirty", and vice versa.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The adjective "untidy" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of neatness or order. Ludwig AI shows it's used across many contexts, denoting physical spaces, abstract situations, or even personal characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "untidy" functions as an adjective describing something that lacks order or neatness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its related terms like "messy", "disorderly", and "disorganized" offer nuanced ways to express varying degrees of disarray. While often used in a neutral register across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, being mindful of its distinction from "dirty" ensures accurate and effective communication. Using "untidy" to describe abstract scenarios such as "untidy solutions" demonstrates its adaptability in conveying a lack of structured resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "untidy" in a sentence?

You can use "untidy" to describe something that is not neat or organized. For example, "The room was in an untidy state" or "He had an untidy pile of papers on his desk."

What are some synonyms for "untidy"?

Alternatives to "untidy" include "messy", "disorderly", and "disorganized". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "untidy" and "messy"?

"Untidy" generally implies a lack of order or neatness, while "messy" can also suggest the presence of dirt or unpleasant substances. They are often interchangeable, but "messy" can be more extreme.

Is it correct to say "an untidy mess"?

Yes, "an untidy mess" is a common and acceptable phrase. It emphasizes the state of disorder and lack of neatness. The phrase is often used to describe a situation or place that is significantly disorganized.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: