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

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

“I catch crocodiles, and a crocodile has never managed to screw up my ribs like that,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2025

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

From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025

“You can’t know for sure how something like this will work. It’s only a one-percent chance, but it could screw up her brain forever.”

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld