messy

mess-y · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Dirty, untidy, or in a state of disorder.

  2. 2.

    Causing or involving mess or dirt.

  3. 3.

    (Of a situation) Confused, difficult, or unpleasant to deal with.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    messy breakup/divorce — a relationship ending with complications and conflict
  • •
    get messy — to become complicated or unpleasant
  • •
    messy eater — someone who spills food while eating

Related words

Antonyms: clean, neat, orderly, organized, tidy
See also: chaotic, dirty, mess, untidy
Synonyms: chaotic, cluttered, dirty, disorganized, untidy

Etymology

Formed from mess + the suffix -y in the 19th century. Reflects the modern sense of mess as disorder rather than the original meaning of "food."