screw
noun
a metal fastener having a tapered shank with a helical thread, and topped with a slotted head, driven into wood or the like by rotating, especially by means of a screwdriver.
screwing
-
present participleof screw.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Overall, the costs of screwing up can greatly exceed the benefits of getting it right.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026
"Gentlemen, stop screwing around and get over here to help your brothers gear up the parachute. Find yourself a good-looking life companion and get to work," he shouted.
From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026
Which reminds me of another hapless cartoon character who thought himself a genius but who kept screwing things up in ceaseless pursuit of his quarry: Wile E. Coyote.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2026
Warming to his theme, he feared the party was retreating to the comfort of its traditional vote-losing ways: "Classic Labour. A year into government and we're already screwing it up."
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2025
And so, screwing his courage to the sticking place, Despereaux leaned against the spool of thread and set it rolling across the floor.
From "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread" by Kate DiCamillo
