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

Bowens worries that some people will fraudulently overstate deductions and that people who mess up accidentally could get hurt as the IRS tries to enforce the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

"We did mess up on the first night with a few issues," he said, adding those issues have now been rectified, and those affected by the first couple of shows have been invited back.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

“It still traumatizes me at read-throughs. I’m like, oh my God, oh my God, please don’t mess up a word. It was a good training ground.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

He comes over like he’s going to mess up my hair, but I block his dirty hands.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt