Messy: meaning, definitions and examples

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messy

[ˈmɛsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

room

Untidy or dirty; not neat or organized.

Synonyms

cluttered, disorganized, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
messy	Use 'messy' to describe something that is generally in a state of disorder and uncleanliness. It is often used to describe places, workspaces, or events that lack neatness. The children's room was very messy after they finished their playtime. Her desk is always messy with papers and books all over it.
untidy	Use 'untidy' to describe something that is not neat or in order. It is less intense than 'messy' and often used for personal appearance or smaller areas. Her hair is looking quite untidy today. The living room was a bit untidy with books and magazines lying around.
disorganized	Use 'disorganized' for situations or systems that lack proper arrangement or order. This word is often used in contexts where planning, coordination, or structured arrangement is missing. The project failed because of the disorganized way it was managed. Her notes are so disorganized that it's hard to follow her research.
cluttered	Use 'cluttered' when referring to spaces filled with too many things, making it hard to find what you need. It suggests an overload of items rather than dirtiness. The garage is cluttered with tools and old furniture. His desk was cluttered with documents, leaving no space for his laptop.

Examples of usage

The room was messy, with clothes strewn all over the floor.
She always leaves her desk messy with papers and books everywhere.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

hair

Not neat or well-groomed; unkempt.

Synonyms

disheveled, tangled, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
messy	When something or somewhere is not in order and is dirty or untidy. The room was messy after the party His writing is very messy
untidy	Similar to 'messy,' but can be more formal. Indicates something that is not in order or clean. His room is always untidy The desk was untidy with papers scattered everywhere
disheveled	Often used to describe someone's hair or appearance that is untidy or unkempt. She arrived at the meeting with disheveled hair His clothes looked disheveled after the long journey
tangled	Best used to describe something that is twisted together in a messy way, often hair or wires. Her hair was tangled after the windy day The headphones were tangled in his pocket

Examples of usage

Her hair was messy, as if she had just woken up.
He ran his fingers through his messy hair.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

situation

Confused or difficult to deal with; disorderly.

Synonyms

chaotic, confused, disorderly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
messy	Often used to describe physical spaces that are cluttered or untidy. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe situations or processes that are disorganized. The room is so messy, I can't even find my socks Their breakup was really messy and complicated
confused	Primarily used to describe a state of mind where someone is unable to think clearly or understand something. It can also be used for situations that are unclear or hard to understand. I'm so confused by these instructions The plot of the movie left everyone confused
chaotic	Refers to situations that are completely out of control or lack any order. This can apply to both physical environments and abstract situations. The market was chaotic after the announcement Her schedule is chaotic with all these last-minute changes
disorderly	Used to describe behavior, environments, or situations that lack order or control. The term often has a negative connotation, implying a lack of discipline or organization. The library was surprisingly disorderly with books strewn everywhere His disorderly conduct at the event led to his removal

Examples of usage

The messy situation required careful handling.
The negotiations became messy with conflicting demands.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated from the Middle French 'messel', meaning 'to mix together'.
It is believed the term came into English in the late 15th century, related to being mixed up or confused.
Originally, 'messy' related to the act of mixing substances, like paint or ingredients.

Psychology

Research shows that messy environments can stimulate creativity, as they encourage unconventional thinking.
People often associate a messy workspace with a higher level of stress, which can impact productivity.
However, some studies suggest that individuals who thrive in messiness may experience improved problem-solving abilities.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, messy rooms often symbolize a character's chaotic lifestyle or emotional turmoil.
The 'messy' trope is notably used in romantic comedies, where two opposing organized and messy characters often clash.
Songs and literature frequently explore the theme of messiness as a metaphor for love, life, and personal growth.

Art

Many artists intentionally embrace messiness in their works to convey emotion and spontaneity.
The abstract expressionist movement celebrated chaotic, messy brush strokes as valid forms of artistic expression.
Messiness in art often reflects the struggles and complexities of the human experience, inviting viewers to explore deeper meanings.

Education

In early childhood education, messy play is encouraged to help children learn through exploration and sensory experiences.
Teachers often use messy activities like art projects to foster creativity and critical thinking among students.
Research indicates that hands-on, messy activities can enhance memory retention and understanding of complex concepts.

Translations

Translations of the word "messy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bagunçado

desordenado
confuso

🇮🇳 अव्यवस्थित

🇩🇪 unordentlich

chaotisch
durcheinander

🇮🇩 berantakan

🇺🇦 безладний

🇵🇱 nieporządny

🇯🇵 散らかった (ちらかった)

🇫🇷 désordonné

🇪🇸 desordenado

🇹🇷 dağınık

🇰🇷 어수선한

🇸🇦 فوضوي

🇨🇿 nepořádný

🇸🇰 neporiadny

🇨🇳 凌乱的 (língluàn de)

🇸🇮 neurejen

🇮🇸 óskipulagt

🇰🇿 ретсіз

🇬🇪 არეულ-დარეული

🇦🇿 qarışıq

🇲🇽 desordenado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,279, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16276 adrenaline
16277 cleverly
16278 indulgent
16279 messy
16280 hitch
16281 ova
16282 sniffed
...