mess up

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 she asks me to place a hand on my heart again, I do, repeating, “I am here. I did not mess up my kid forever. My timing is impeccable.”

From Slate • May 10, 2026

If Leeds lose this, then it is squeaky bum time for them with games to come against Tottenham and West Ham, but they won't mess up.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

He started out with some basic tips: Fill the shaker with the least expensive ingredients first, so you don’t waste the expensive stuff if you mess up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

“There’s a history for the fans. You can’t mess up the Easter eggs. There are specific things you can’t get wrong because you’ll just lose people.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025

“But I might’ve figured out a way to find him. Just promise me you won’t do anything that could mess up your future. He’d be really disappointed.”

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston