messy
Americanadjective
-
characterized by a dirty, untidy, or disordered condition.
a messy room.
-
causing a mess.
a messy recipe; messy work.
-
embarrassing, difficult, or unpleasant.
a messy political situation.
-
characterized by moral or psychological confusion.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- messily adverb
- messiness noun
Etymology
Origin of messy
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.
Yamamoto believes the long break between innings may have disrupted his workflow, contributing to a messy second inning.
From Los Angeles Times
These are now subject to refunds, and that process is universally expected to be lengthy and messy.
From MarketWatch
Another thing that’s likely to be messy and lengthy is any process of reimbursing money that companies paid to the U.S. government under the now invalid tariffs.
From MarketWatch
Assuming the law passes, the ancient offence will be confined to history, and the investigation into the King's brother may be the last chapter in a very messy and contested legal saga.
From BBC
If life feels messy or unstable, it is reassuring to think biology is partly responsible.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
