Muck: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to something that is dirty, messy, or nasty, especially in an outdoor or agricultural setting. It often implies something sticky or unpleasant.

• The pigsty was full of muck
• My shoes got covered in muck after walking through the field

Use for soft, sticky matter resulting from the mixing of soil and water. Commonly used after rain or in natural settings.

• Children love to play in the mud after it rains
• The car got stuck in the mud

Use for thick, soft, wet mud or a similar viscous mixture of liquid and solid components, especially when describing something industrial or polluted. Often has a negative connotation.

• The factory released toxic sludge into the river
• The bottom of the pond was thick with sludge

Use for general references to soil or any unclean substance on surfaces. It is a broad term without the unpleasant, sticky connotation.

• There's dirt on your jeans
• The gardener used rich dirt to plant the flowers

Usually describes making something dirty or causing a minor mishap. Often used in more informal or casual settings.

• He mucked up the entire kitchen while trying to bake a cake

A general term for making a mistake or causing a problem. Suitable for informal and everyday conversations.

• I really messed up the presentation by forgetting my notes

Implies doing a task poorly, often in a way that is very noticeable and hard to fix. This word is slightly more negative.

• She tried to fix the car engine herself, but completely botched the job

Indicates causing significant or irreversible damage. Used in serious contexts where the consequences are severe.

• The heavy rain ruined our outdoor wedding plans