mess
noun
a dirty, untidy, or disordered condition.
had messed
-
past perfectof mess.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
When Ron Shaich’s father was close to dying, he had a revelation: He had messed up in life, making poorly considered decisions and living impulsively.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
But in the book, Jill Biden says her husband asked her if he had messed up the debate, and that she replied: "Yes, you did."
From Barron's ● May 29, 2026
Before the programme launched in 1966, Michael believed he had messed up his audition after smiling constantly due to nerves.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2025
At the scene, a clearly shaken Dave is seen on body camera video from other responding officers pacing and saying he had messed up and was “not all right.”
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 21, 2024
I would rewhisper all the words and sounds I had messed up earlier that morning, trying to invoke how the one girl who always wore a baby-blue cardigan would speak.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
