Cluttered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cluttered

[หˆklสŒtษ™rd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

room

Crowded with things or people placed in a disorderly manner.

Synonyms

disorganized, jumbled, messy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cluttered

Describes a space that is filled with too many things, making it hard to move around or find what you need. Often used to describe spaces like rooms, desks, or workspaces.

  • Her office was so cluttered she could barely find her phone.
  • The garage is cluttered with tools and old bikes.
messy

Describes a space or situation that is untidy or dirty. Often used for rooms, tasks, or even relationships.

  • Her bedroom is always messy with clothes on the floor.
  • Divorce can be a messy situation.
disorganized

Refers to a lack of order or system in doing things or arranging items. Can describe both physical spaces and personal habits.

  • He is so disorganized; he always loses his keys.
  • The event was disorganized and started an hour late.
jumbled

Describes a mix of things that are not in any order, often creating confusion. Can also refer to thoughts or ideas.

  • The box was jumbled with clothes, books, and toys.
  • I can't think clearly; my thoughts are all jumbled.

Examples of usage

  • The living room was cluttered with old furniture and boxes.
  • Her desk was cluttered with papers and books.
Context #2 | Verb

space

To fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that restrict movement or use.

Synonyms

litter, pile up, scatter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cluttered

Used to describe a space filled with too many items making it untidy and hard to navigate. Often used in the context of homes, desks, or offices.

  • Her desk was cluttered with papers and office supplies
  • The garage was so cluttered that we couldn't find the old bicycle
litter

Refers to a scattering of trash or waste, often in public places. It has a negative connotation and is commonly used when emphasizing the unwanted presence of garbage.

  • The park was littered with plastic bottles and wrappers
  • Please don't litter; use the garbage bins provided
scatter

Implies an intentional or unintentional spreading of items over an area, making it messy or disordered. Often used when things are thrown or spread out loosely.

  • She scattered the seeds across the garden
  • Toys were scattered all over the living room floor
pile up

Describes items accumulating on top of each other, often in an uncontrolled manner. Can refer to both physical objects and more abstract concepts like tasks or problems.

  • The laundry began to pile up after a busy week
  • His work kept piling up on his desk

Examples of usage

  • The shelves were cluttered with knick-knacks.
  • She cluttered up the hallway with boxes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research indicates that a cluttered environment can increase stress and anxiety, impacting a person's mood and productivity.
  • Clutter can overwhelm our brains, making it harder to focus and process information effectively.
  • Studies suggest that decluttering can enhance mental clarity and promote a sense of control over one's environment.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows like 'Hoarders' shed light on extreme cluttering, showcasing the emotional and psychological effects of accumulation.
  • Marie Kondo's 'Tidying Up' trend emphasizes decluttering by retaining only items that 'spark joy,' influencing many to rethink their belongings.
  • The term 'cluttercore' emerged in social media as a playful celebration of collections and messiness, contrasting minimalism.

Literature

  • In literature, cluttered descriptions can create a vivid, chaotic scene or reflect a characterโ€™s mental state.
  • Famous authors often use clutter as a symbol of conflict or chaos, for example, in plays showcasing the struggle between order and disorder.
  • Clutter in poetry may symbolize the complexity of modern life, where individuals face overwhelming choices and distractions.

Education

  • Studies in classroom management suggest that cluttered environments can hinder student learning by distracting from educational materials.
  • Teachers often advocate for organizing classroom spaces to minimize clutter, helping students focus better on lessons.
  • Educational theories propose that less clutter can lead to better retention of information, fostering a more effective learning atmosphere.

Origin of 'cluttered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'clutter' comes from the Middle English word 'clotter,' which means to block or put together messily.
  • It is thought to have origins in the Old Norse word 'kluttr,' meaning a lump or mass, which reflects how we view messy piles.
  • The term began to appear in English literature during the 15th century, emphasizing physical disorder.

The word 'cluttered' originated from the Middle English word 'clotteren', meaning to clot or coagulate. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to things gathered in a disorderly mass. The modern usage of 'cluttered' emerged in the 16th century, describing a space filled with disorganized items.


See also: clutter, overclutter, uncluttered.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,068, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.