messy

[ mes-ee ]

adjective

, mess·i·er, mess·i·est.

1. characterized by a dirty, untidy, or disordered condition:

   a messy room.

2. causing a mess:

   a messy recipe; messy work.

3. embarrassing, difficult, or unpleasant:

   a messy political situation.

4. characterized by moral or psychological confusion.

messy

/ ˈmɛsɪ /

adjective

1. dirty, confused, or untidy

Derived Forms

• ˈmessiness, noun
• ˈmessily, adverb

Other Words From

• messi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of messy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; mess + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Lynch says she’s “never played a character so messy.”

From Los Angeles Times

It also seems reasonable to say that a second bout of messy and not entirely consistent briefing from each camp underlines the central truth in all of this - the hurt, the rows, the anger, the mistrust which has been there for all to see.

From BBC

“While transition planning is a private activity, it is deeply connected to the activity of our government and the stewardship of public resources,” Partnership for Public Service President Max Stier told the Times, adding that slow-walking their documents could lead to a messy transition and a period of chaos next year.

From Salon

When he dropped out, the president endorsed Harris in part to avoid a costly and potentially messy primary.

From Salon

“Brat” was the critical and commercial peak of Charli’s career, and the academy rewarded her up and down the program, with a second-highest seven nominations for a messy meta-rave about how fame refracts femininity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chaotic
• confused
• sloppy