mess

A dirty or untidy place, or a collection of things left dirty or out of order.

• Your room is a mess.
• The children made a mess in the kitchen.
• Who is going to clean up this mess?

How to use it: a mess of something (There was a mess of papers on the floor.)

Similar words: disorder, clutter

Opposites: order

Common phrases: make a mess, in a mess, a terrible mess

A confused or difficult situation in which things have gone wrong.

• My finances are a mess.
• How did we get into this mess?
• She helped sort out the mess after the failed deal.

How to use it: make a mess of something (They made a mess of the project.)

Similar words: muddle, chaos

Common phrases: in a mess, get into a mess, a complete mess

Solid waste left by an animal, especially a dog.

• There is dog mess on the path.
• I stepped in some mess outside.
• Owners must clean up their dogs’ mess.

Similar words: droppings, excrement

Common phrases: dog mess, clean up mess, step in mess

A large amount of something, or a large number of things.

• He brought home a mess of fish.
• We have a whole mess of problems.
• She cooked a mess of beans for everyone.

How to use it: a mess of something (We caught a mess of fish.)

Similar words: lot, load

Common phrases: a mess of something, a whole mess

A group of people, especially soldiers or sailors, who regularly eat together.

• He joined the officers’ mess.
• The mess welcomed three new members.
• Everyone in the mess contributed to the meal.

Common phrases: officers’ mess, wardroom mess, mess members

To interfere with someone or something, often causing trouble.

• Do not mess with my computer.
• Someone has been messing with the settings.
• Stop messing with things you do not understand.

How to use it: mess with someone/something (Do not mess with the controls.)

Similar words: interfere, meddle

Common phrases: mess with something, mess with someone, don’t mess

To eat regularly with a group, especially soldiers or sailors.

• The officers mess together.
• He messed with the crew during the voyage.
• Where do the new soldiers mess?

How to use it: mess with someone (The captain messes with the senior officers.); mess at something (The soldiers mess at separate tables.)

Similar words: dine, eat

Common phrases: mess with someone, mess together, mess aboard