Cool MateMess
UK /["/mes/"]/US /["/mes/"]/
Definition
a dirty or untidy state
In simple words: A state of being dirty or untidy.
Examples
- The kitchen was a complete mess after the party.
- He always leaves his room in such a mess that I can't stand it.
- Everyone was frustrated by the mess left by the construction workers.
- I tried to clean up the mess, but it just kept getting bigger.
- Life can be a bit of a mess sometimes, but we have to deal with it.
Usage notes
Use when describing a disorganized space or situation. Avoid using in formal contexts, or when describing something that isn't messy.
Grammar pattern
mess + object
Memory hint
Think of 'mess' as 'a big hot mess', visualize a chaotic room.
Collocations
- absolute
- complete
- fine
- leave
- make
- clean up
- in a mess
- mess of
- make a mess of things
- absolute
- complete
- fine
- leave
- make
- clean up
- in a mess
- mess of
- make a mess of things
- absolute
- complete
- fine
- leave
- make
- clean up
- in a mess
- mess of
- make a mess of things
- absolute
- complete
- fine
- leave
- make
- clean up
- in a mess
- mess of
- make a mess of things
Synonyms
- chaos
- disorder
- confusion
- shambles
- jumble
Antonyms
- order
- neatness
- organization
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'miss' — they have different meanings.
- Using 'mess' as a verb incorrectly.
- Not using 'mess' to describe food spills or chaos.