screw 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.

A growing number of families are grappling with how to make sure that money doesn’t screw up their kids—and the kids don’t screw up the money—as wealth at the top has exploded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

“I really don’t want to screw up the lineup,” Woods added.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

"I was able to screw up as a teenager and not have it filmed and amplified all over the place."

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

In other words: “We screwed up, but we can screw up better.”

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

I screw up big-time, as Denise points out with what is now obvious malice, and have to do the downstairs all over again.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich